Court approves new notification system for Office of Emergency Management

Court approves new notification system for Office of Emergency Management

Published 7:00 pm Monday, February 2, 2026

During Monday’s Commissioners’ Court meeting, county commissioners unanimously approved a new emergency alert system for the Victoria Office of Emergency Management(VOEM), replacing the county’s previous notification platform.

The new system will be provided through Everbridge under a three-year agreement. VOEM Emergency Management Coordinator Rick McBrayer said the office is no longer working with the former vendor and is eager to transition to Everbridge. VOEM is currently in the onboarding process for the new system.

“In the event that Victoria Emergency Management or local first responders need to provide alert and warning information to the public, emergency notification systems are utilized,” McBrayer said in a letter to the county. “Emergency notification systems give emergency officials the capability to make mass notifications to the public in a timely manner. These systems are vital during time-sensitive events such as hazardous material spills, severe weather or other major emergencies.”

Commissioners approved the Everbridge contract, which includes a fixed cost for the three-year term and an added Resident Connection life safety feature requested by VOEM.

The contract will cost $27,616.50 annually, with the first year totaling $30,046.50 due to one-time setup fees. An additional $2,340 fee is included for Public Safety Communications services.

The Resident Connection life safety feature uses data from U.S. government databases to notify residents during emergency situations. According to Everbridge’s system inclusion guide, personal phone numbers may only be used when there is an “imminent threat to life.”

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The system also uses geotagging and geocoding technology to target alerts to residents within affected areas.

Everbridge’s notification platform operates on a credit-based system. VOEM will receive 3 million notification credits each year during the contract term and may purchase additional credits if needed.

Public Safety Communications allows Everbridge to issue FEMA-approved alerts and utilize FEMA systems for public notifications, streamlining emergency messaging.

Under the agreement, VOEM will also have access to an Everbridge consultant to assist with training, system configuration, user management and ongoing support.

Lindsey Plotkin is a multimedia reporter for the Victoria Advocate. Contact her at lindsey.plotkin@vicad.com.