LCRA offers a free service to notify residents and property owners of anticipated floodgate operations, which can cause higher, faster water flows. This Floodgate Operations Notification Service (FONS) allows people to specify how they are notified: by email, land line and/or cell phone. This is not a flood warning system.
Here is information on how to sign up and answers to common questions.
Who is eligible to sign up?
LCRA provides this service to those who complete an application and state that they reside, own property or operate a business establishment on or below one of the Highland Lakes. Learn about LCRA dams.
How do I sign up?
You can subscribe to the service by completing an online application. The service will expire May 31, 2013, at which time you will need to submit a new application. Contracts initially set to expire May 31, 2011, are automatically extended to May 31, 2013.
How do I update my contact information or remove myself from the system?
The FONS user agreement states that changes in address or telephone information must be in writing. Updated contact information and requests to be removed from the notification system may be submitted by email to FONS@lcra.org or regular mail to:
LCRA Emergency Management
PO Box 220
Mail Stop R-220
Austin, TX 78767-0220
How does FONS work?
FONS will email and/or call subscribers with a recorded message to alert them that floodgate operations are expected to begin or have begun. The notification will be for initial floodgate operations only, not before each gate operation.
The automated equipment will deliver the message by email and/or by phone to the person or device that answers. It will make up to two follow-up attempts if the telephone is busy or does not answer. The message will include a telephone number to call for additional information.
Why do I sometimes receive multiple calls about the same floodgate operation?
The system is designed to try and reach you via any (and all) numbers you have provided until it gets confirmation that you have received the message. You must listen to the entire message and, when prompted, press “1” on your phone key pad to confirm you received the message (pressing “2” will replay the message). If you disconnect without confirming receipt, the system will continue to call each number you provided two more times. Additionally, the system makes separate notifications for each dam. If you asked to be notified about operations at more than one dam, you will receive separate calls when/if floodgate operations begin at each dam.
Is there a charge?
The service is provided without charge to persons who reside, operate a business or own property downstream of LCRA-operated dams.
What else do I need to know?
Keep in mind that this service is a supplement, not a replacement, for vigilance on the part of residents and property owners. You should monitor local news media, NOAA All-Hazards Radio broadcasts and other information sources whenever flooding threatens. FONS is not a flood warning system -- it only provides notification of floodgate operations.
Under some circumstances, there may be little or no advance notice. For example, if sufficient rain falls on or near a lake, LCRA may have to respond before there is time to initiate FONS. The system will be activated as soon as possible.
Also, the system will not be activated (and you will not receive a notice) for regular gate operations such as hydroelectric generation or gate testing and maintenance.
It may take up to 30 days for LCRA to enter your information into the FONS system. The term of this agreement will begin 30 days after you submit the application and continue though May 31, 2013. LCRA will attempt to notify you via email when your data has been entered into the system. LCRA may terminate this service at any time by providing 30 days written notice to the address on the application.
Residents currently in the FONS system will remain registered until May 31, 2013.
Whom do I contact for more information?
- Sherri Edwards, Administrative Assistant Sr., (512) 473-3246
- Susana Thorne, Emergency Management Coordinator, (512) 469-6833, or 1-800-776-5272.
- Eric Martinson, LCRA Public Safety Support Services Manager, (512) 473-3200, Ext. 7870, or 1-800-776-5272.
