KENT, Wash. - September 23, 2009 - The City of Kent announces its new "reverse 9-1-1" emergency notification system is now operational. Residents and business owners within Kent's city limits are urged to enter their contact information online at
www.kentCodeRED.com.
Called "CodeRED", the system gives City officials the ability to deliver urgent pre-recorded telephone, cell phone, email or text messages to targeted areas, or the entire community, at a rate of up to 60,000 per hour.
Kent's Emergency Manager, Dominic Marzano said the system is a great way to notify residents during emergencies. "It will be especially useful should we have flooding this winter." Messages could be sent for emergencies including hazardous material spills, illness outbreaks or other urgent situations such as a missing person.
All messages will begin with "This is an emergency CodeRED message from the City of Kent." If a phone is not answered, the system will try again, up to three times, leaving a message on the final attempt.
Marzano said the system is capable of sending messages in a text format to hearing- impaired individuals using TTY/TDD equipment. "It also allows the ability to record more than one message to accommodate multiple languages."
Marzano cautioned that the system is only as good as the database supporting it. "While CodeRED begins with an existing database of telephone numbers, no one should automatically assume his or her phone number is included. "If your information is not in the database, you will not be contacted."
The following individuals are urged to add their information to the database.
- All businesses
- Residents with unlisted phone numbers
- Residents who have changed their phone number or address within the last year
- Residents who use a cellular phone as their primary phone
- Residents who have recently moved, but kept the same listed or unlisted phone number
- Residents who wish to receive text and/or email messages in addition to telephone calls·
- Residents who receive their phone service over the Internet
CodeRED is a geographically-based notification system, which means street addresses are needed to select which phone numbers will receive emergency notification calls in a specific emergency. An associated street address is needed for cell phone numbers. Requested information includes first and last name, street address (physical address-no PO boxes), city, state, zip code, primary phone numbers and additional phone numbers and email address (optional). Residents and businesses may also choose to receive text or email messages about emergencies, in addition to telephone calls.
CodeRED gives those who want to be included an easy and secure method for doing so, and the information will only be used for emergency notification purposes. Residents and businesses may also opt out of the system entirely if they so choose.
Those without Internet access may contact Kent Emergency Management at 253-856-4440, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to request a registration form by mail.
