| CodeRED: City to add new emergency alert system |
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A new emergency alert system became fully operational on January 1, 2008. The City of Manassas has contracted with Emergency Communications Network, Inc., of Ormond Beach, Florida, for its "CodeRED" high-speed telephone emergency notification services. The CodeRED system gives city officials the ability to deliver pre-recorded emergency telephone notification/information messages to targeted areas or the entire city at a rate of up to 60,000 calls per hour. City Manager Lawrence D. Hughes stated "The CodeRED system not only offers faster calling rates and improved message delivery, it gives individuals and businesses the ability to add their own phone numbers directly to the system's telephone database. " To ensure no one is omitted, the City urges all individuals and businesses to log onto the City of Manassas website, www.manassascity.org, and follow the link to the "CodeRED Residential and Business Data Collection" page. No one should automatically assume his or her phone number is included, we encourage all individuals and businesses to register, especially those who have changed their phone number or address within the last year, and those who use a cellular phone or Voice over IP (VoIP) as their primary phone. According to Manassas Information Technology Director, “the CodeRED system is a geographical based notification system, which means street addresses are needed to select which phone numbers will receive emergency notification calls in any given situation. The system works fine for cell phones too, but we need a street address". People who have recently moved but kept the same listed or unlisted phone number also need to change their address in the database. CodeRED gives those who want to be included an easy and secure method for doing so. The information will only be used for emergency notification purposes to inform residences and businesses of pending emergencies related to unusual occurrences, public safety or Homeland Security. If you desire additional information feel free to contact the city Information Technology Department at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . |
