Do you live or operate a business on one of the Highland Lakes (Buchanan, Inks, LBJ, Marble Falls, Travis and Austin), Lady Bird Lake or the Colorado River downstream of Austin? If so, you may want to sign up for a free public service offered by LCRA that alerts you about floodgate operations by e-mail and/or phone.

LCRA is the manager of the upper Highland Lakes and dams, operating them during floods to reduce the risk of damage downstream. Preventing loss of life and reducing flood damage on the lower Colorado River is a key responsibility given to LCRA by the state of Texas.

As a public service, LCRA has operated the Floodgate Operations Notification Service (FONS) since 2006 to alert subscribers to the beginning of floodgate operations. Whenever possible, the FONS contacts subscribers with an e-mail and phone call before the first floodgate opens.

A recorded message notifies subscribers that floodgate operations are expected to begin or have begun. It makes up to two more attempts to contact subscribers if the telephone is busy or there is no answer. The message will include a telephone number to call and a Web site for additional information. The notification will not be repeated each time another floodgate opens.

FONS is not a substitute for vigilant monitoring of local news media, NOAA All-Hazards Radio broadcasts and other information sources. It is the responsibility of waterfront residents and business operators to remain aware of threatening weather conditions and to take timely action to protect themselves and their property.

You may sign up for the free service if you reside, own property, or operate a business on the lakes or river downstream of Buchanan, Inks, Wirtz, Starcke, Mansfield or Tom Miller dams. You must apply for the service even if you subscribe to the current system because the term of the agreement has expired. An online application is available at the LCRA Web site, www.lcra.org.

For additional information about this service, call Susana Duarte, LCRA emergency management coordinator, at (512) 469-6833 or 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 6833, or send e-mail to susana.duarte@lcra.org. Or call Eric Martinson, LCRA public safety communications supervisor, at (512) 473-3200, Ext. 5332, or 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 5332, or send e-mail to eric.martinson@lcra.org.