I have a simple story, a true story about me near my own drowning on Fort Hood during a horrible Storm of intended wind, lightning, and lots of rain. So much rain, that Cowhouse Creek was already beginning to rage. But flooded Creeks and Rivers like Cowhouse Creek, Brazos River, Leon River, Trinity River, Colorado River, and Navasota River I’m very familiar with while fishing their flooded Waters and seeing cows and horses floating by and one motor boat motor. Strange watching a boat motor just going by. But all sorts of strange stuff you’ll see when the Waters come raging down swollen creeks and rivers. And the Dangers are extremely real.

But I’ve often asked-Why me? Why save me Lord?

But before I pass away, I want to hopefully help others. And I’ve sat on this simple Idea for a very long time. Since 1975. But the Kerrville Flooding has brought that shocking flooded creek I drove across back into those headlights back into my mind. My Prayers are with all of you. Such a heart-felt Tragedy. So many hurt. So many lost and still unaccounted for. But I only want to Help. I feel so hurt as we all do. And I still ask, Why Me? The deep parts of my forgotten memory, a memory my PTSD doesn’t like me visiting because I have worse reminders of my near death experiences here, twice at Fort Hood, and Overseas. But maybe this idea will be Blessed in the hands of the right person.

Your story about facing down Cowhouse Creek in a LeMans during a storm is something else! That takes serious guts, and it’s a miracle you made it across. It’s totally understandable why you’d be thinking about warning systems after an experience like that. You’re right, having a heads-up in those situations could be a real lifesaver.

The Roar and the Rush: A Near Miss on Range Road

The rain wasn’t just falling, it was falling – a biblical deluge that hammered the windshield of my ’73 LeMans, turning the pre-dawn darkness into a swirling vortex of grey and black. It was 1975, and I was a 1st Cav. grunt, dragging myself out of Gatesville by 0300 to make that impossible 0400 formation at Fort Hood. Every mile of Range Road was a white-knuckle fight against the elements, the wipers barely keeping up with the relentless onslaught.

My gut churned with a familiar unease. Cowhouse Creek. That low-water crossing was notorious even in a drizzle, a concrete ribbon that disappeared beneath the water with alarming regularity. Tonight, with this kind of downpour, it was a guaranteed death trap. My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drum solo against the roar of the V8.

Then, as I crested the final rise, the headlights cut through the gloom, painting a horrifying picture: the road was gone. Five feet of churning, muddy water, stretching from one invisible bank to the other. There was no stopping now, not with the momentum I had, not with the slick tires and the sheer terror seizing my throat. It was too late to back down.

A primal instinct kicked in. Screw caution. Screw the regs. My foot stomped the accelerator, burying it in the floorboard. The massive V8 race engine, a custom job I’d poured every spare cent into, screamed a defiant protest as the LeMans surged forward. Eighty miles an hour. That’s what the speedometer read as the nose of the car sliced into the dark, angry current.

The impact was brutal. The car bucked, shimmied, and for a terrifying second, it felt like I was driving a submarine. Water exploded over the hood, blinding me, the engine sputtering, threatening to drown out. But I held that pedal down, a desperate prayer on my lips, my hands gripping the wheel like a vice. The roaring current tried to tear the car from my grasp, to spin it, to swallow it whole. But the sheer power of that engine, the raw momentum, it pushed through. The front end clawed its way out, then the back, spitting water like a relieved beast. I was across. Shaking, soaked, but alive.

Pulling over, my hands still trembling, I slammed the steering wheel. Why? Why wasn’t there a system? No flashing lights, no sirens, no warning at all. Just a death trap waiting for the next unlucky soldier. It was a simple, stark realization: lives could be saved. I then opened the door and got on my knees and Prayed to God for his Kindness in sparing my life. Then the motor started sputtering and then quit. I then got up, and opened the trunk, got a screwdriver out and opened the hood and dried the points and inside of the distributor cap with a rag. The motor was partially soaked with water all over it. It seemed such a deep, so deeply cold, the cold had gotten deep into me. Once finished, the car started and off to Formation I made.

READ December 1991-January 1992 Flood Report-

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:e98ae134-ef46-4c4c-b633-40525be72282

After the simple explanation below on simplistic Warning Device, I will present an AI generated summary of the above December 1991-January 1992 FLOOD REPORT

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Building a Basic Flood Warning System

You’re absolutely right, the concept isn’t complex, and the core idea of a simple, visual, and even audible warning system is brilliant. Here’s a breakdown of how a basic version of your idea could be implemented, drawing on readily available technologies.

I. The Water Level Sensor (Your “Poles with Holes”)

This is the heart of your system. You’d need a robust, reliable way to detect when water reaches a dangerous level.

Materials:
- Galvanized Steel or PVC Pipes: These would be your “poles with holes.” They need to be securely anchored vertically at the low-water crossing, extending above the anticipated flood level.
- Float Switch: Inside the pipe, a float switch is key. This is a simple mechanical switch that activates when a buoyant float reaches a certain level. When the water rises and lifts the float, it completes an electrical circuit. You’d position these switches at different critical levels (e.g., “water on road,” “1 foot over road,” “5 feet over road”).
- Perforations: Small holes or slits along the pipe at regular intervals allow water to enter and exit, ensuring the float accurately reflects the external water level.
How it Works: As the water level in the creek or river rises, it enters the perforated pipe, lifting the float. When the float reaches the level of a pre-set switch, that switch closes, sending an electrical signal.

II. The Warning System (Lights and Sirens)

Once the water level signal is received, it needs to trigger a visible and audible alert.

Bright Red Flashing Lights:
- High-Luminosity LED Strobes: These are highly visible, even in adverse weather conditions. They should be mounted high enough to be seen from a distance and on both approaches to the crossing. At least a thousand yards warning individuals of Imminent Danger. And then again Closer to the flooded crossing.
- Solar Power: For remote locations, solar panels coupled with rechargeable deep-cycle batteries are ideal. This makes the system self-sufficient and independent of the power grid.
- Control Unit: A simple microcontroller (like an Arduino or Raspberry Pi Zero) can receive the signal from the float switches and trigger the lights to flash.
Sirens:
- Weatherproof Outdoor Sirens: These would be connected to the same control unit. When a dangerous water level is detected, the siren would activate, providing an audible warning, especially useful during fog or heavy rain when visibility is poor.
- Timed Operation: The microcontroller can be programmed to activate the siren for a specific duration or intermittently to conserve power.

III. Automated Notifications (Your “Automatic Texts”)

This adds another layer of critical safety, reaching people beyond the immediate vicinity.

Cellular Module: Integrate a cellular module (e.g., a GSM module) with the microcontroller. When a flood condition is detected, the microcontroller can send pre-programmed text messages (SMS) to a list of registered numbers.
Recipient List: This list would include local emergency services, relevant military personnel, road authorities, and, if applicable, registered residents or travelers who frequently use the crossing.
Website/App Integration: For a more advanced system, the data could be sent to a central server that updates a public website or a mobile app, providing real-time status of low-water crossings.

Putting It All Together (Simplified Steps)

Site Assessment: Identify critical low-water crossings.
Sensor Placement: Install the perforated pipes with float switches at designated dangerous water levels.
Power System: Set up solar panels and batteries to power the entire system.
Control Hub: Install a weatherproof enclosure housing the microcontroller, cellular module, and power management circuits.
Warning Devices: Mount the flashing lights and sirens.
Programming: Program the microcontroller to:
- Monitor the float switches.
- Activate lights and sirens when thresholds are met.
- Send SMS alerts.
- (Optional) Log data or update a web service.
Testing and Maintenance: Regularly test the system and perform routine maintenance to ensure reliability, especially before and after flood seasons.

Your experience highlights a critical need, and your proposed solution, while seemingly simple, addresses fundamental flaws in existing systems. Building such a system, even a basic one, could undoubtedly prevent future tragedies.

This Device doesn’t need to become a Government Billion Dollar Game of The Fattest. getting Paid. Just save Lives!

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But I hope the above will help. HS students in those Robotic Contests could create a real working Model. But real Alarms can be made. They don’t need to be shockingly expensive. Especially in River Camps. RV Parks on the Rivers Edge.

Below are screenshots of the AI generated December 1991-January 1992 FLOOD REPORT Summary from earlier-

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May God Bless You and Your Families

Sincerely,

The Living Breathing James Brown

The phrase “the living breathing James Brown” refers to a contemporary author known for his spiritual series, “A Panther’s Father”. This James Brown is a U.S. Army veteran, a Texas native, and a father of three. He has also published “Handgun Safety” in 1996 and has been published in “The Texas Review” and the “Sam Houston State Review”.

The “living breathing” part of his name seems to be a stylistic choice, perhaps to emphasize his authenticity and connection to his writing. And to separate his works from others with the same name. The series, “A Panther’s Father,” explores themes of Humanity, Hardship, and Hope. It is a spiritual journey inspired by the author’s own experiences and observations.

The author’s background includes serving as a gunner on a M-60 Main Battle Tank, being a retired Texas Prison Guard, and struggling with Polio. He has a large following online and has been recognized for his writing.

IDK

But, maybe my writings was why God spared me-

But we all must do our Best to Protect Our Loved Ones the best way possible.

Normally, I do not engage, but I do not appreciate Lies being said about Kerr County while SAR Operations are being conducted.

Here, read for yourself…AI generated the following-You can do your own Fact Checking-

Kerr County, Texas, did not receive funding for a flood warning system from the Texas Division of Emergency Management, despite multiple applications. The county initially sought federal funding, but their applications were rejected, partly due to not meeting federal requirements like having a current hazard mitigation plan. Later, they pursued state funding through the Flood Infrastructure Fund, but the grant requirements meant Kerr County would have to cover a large portion of the cost, which they couldn’t afford.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Federal Funding Rejection:Kerr County initially applied for federal grants to fund a flood warning system, but their applications were rejected, with one instance citing a lack of a current hazard mitigation plan.
State Funding Attempts:Kerr County then looked into the state’s Flood Infrastructure Fund, but the grant process required the county to cover a significant portion of the project cost. This proved to be a barrier due to the county’s limited budget.
Common Problem:Kerr County’s struggle to secure funding for a flood warning system is not unique, as many communities face similar challenges due to limited resources and the high cost of flood control projects.

Kerr County, Texas, has faced significant challenges in securing federal funding for a flood warning system, with one key reason for rejection being the lack of a current hazard mitigation plan.¹

Here’s a summary of the situation:

Repeated Denials: Kerr County has attempted to get federal grants for a flood warning system for years, with initial requests for aid dating back to 2017.² These applications, some for around $1 million in federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds, were denied.³
Missing/Outdated Hazard Mitigation Plan: A primary reason cited for at least one of these rejections by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), which oversees FEMA funds, was the county’s lack of a current hazard mitigation plan.⁴ This plan is crucial for demonstrating how a community intends to reduce its risks from natural disasters.
Hurricane Harvey’s Impact: After Hurricane Harvey in 2017, additional federal funds became available.⁵ Kerr County reapplied, but the state again denied the request, prioritizing more densely populated areas heavily impacted by the hurricane, such as Houston.
Other Obstacles: Beyond the hazard mitigation plan, other factors contributed to the funding rejections and lack of a system:
- Cost and Local Opposition: Some residents and elected officials opposed the installation of sirens due to concerns about cost and noise. This led to a compromise where a system without sirens was considered, focusing on sensors.
- Lack of Local Contribution: The county’s largest city, Kerrville, declined to participate in a joint grant application that would have required a $50,000 contribution.
- Unfavorable Loan Terms: The state’s flood infrastructure fund offered an interest-free loan for the project, but these terms were seen as “too stingy” and were turned down by the Upper Guadalupe River Authority.⁶
- Fiscal Conservatism: Some reports suggest that a fiscally conservative tax base and leadership in Kerr County made it difficult to find local funding or accept certain grant terms.⁷
Tragic Consequences: The recent deadly flooding in Kerr County has brought renewed scrutiny to these missed opportunities, highlighting the devastating impact of not having an adequate flood warning system in a region highly prone to flash floods.⁸

In essence, the lack of a current hazard mitigation plan was a critical hurdle for Kerr County in securing federal grants for a flood warning system, part of a broader set of challenges that left the county vulnerable to the recent catastrophic floods.⁹