Atlantic County has recently updated its
Emergency Notification System and is now using CodeRED to deliver messages
within minutes to residents, businesses and registered participants in the event
of an emergency or time-sensitive issue.
Information can be sent to targeted
areas or throughout the county.
The system includes all landline phones in the
Verizon database. Cell and VoIP (voice over Internet protocols) numbers must be
individually registered. Those who previously registered do NOT need to do so
again.
The county will conduct a “test call” during the
week of January 27, 2014. Those who receive the call do NOT need to reply.
Calls will be delivered to residents with landline phone numbers and those who
are otherwise currently registered.
Anyone who wishes to add, delete or update
their contact information will be able to do so online.
CodeRED allows
geographically-based delivery. Street addresses are required to ensure
emergency notification calls are received by the proper individuals in a given
situation. Each phone number, including cell phones, must have an associated street
addresses to provide relevant messages.
All collected data is kept strictly
confidential and may only be used in the event of an emergency.
" This
service is not only for Atlantic County citizens. Many people own second homes
here and they are also advised to register to receive emergency alerts about
issues that may impact their properties," stated County Executive Dennis
Levinson.
"Emergency alerts have become an essential tool for emergeny
management and law enforcement,” said Vince Jones, Atlantic County Emergency
Management Coordinator.
The service is free. Registrants may select the
method(s) in which messages are delivered, by phone, text, and/or email. If
delivery to the primary contact mode fails, the system will automatically try
another mode.
If you receive a message and would like to hear it again,
simply dial the number displayed on your Caller ID.
Incoming alerts will be displayed as "Emergency Communications
Network" or by 1-866-419-5000.
Registrants may also choose to receive
severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service. The automated messages
warn those in the path of severe weather, including thunderstorms, tornadoes
and flash floods.
Incoming weather alerts will also be displayed as
"Emergency Communications Network" or by 1-800-566-9780.
"Citizens
should save one or both of these numbers in their cell phones for easy
recognition," advised Jones.
Another important feature is the CodeRED
mobile app that can help keep citizens informed regardless of where they are.
The system is "Geo-Aware" so it can be utilized by visitors traveling
through the area. There are currently more than 50 million citizens within the
CodeRED service areas. The mobile app can be downloaded for free from iTunes or
Google Play.
"We strongly encourage the public to take advantage of this
service. It could mean the difference in saving lives and properties when time
is so critical," concluded Levinson.
0 comments:
Post a Comment