For Immediate Release
March 3, 2009
CodeRed™ Emergency Notification System is being implemented in Darien
The Town of Darien recently contracted for an emergency notification system-CodeRed™. The emergency notification system was recently brought online and personnel trained. Now the town has a new way to get the word out in the event of an emergency. But, in order to reach out to as many of its residents and businesses the town must begin collecting their contact information. The system’s database currently contains only telephone numbers that are listed phone numbers from AT&T and other commercially available data.
Utilizing that data leaves out a significant portion of the community that utilize VOIP phone service (voice over internet protocol), unlisted phone numbers, or cellular mobile devices as their main point of contact. Therefore a person may choose to be included in the database by going on line at the Town of Darien website to register online at http://www.darienct.gov . Located on-line will be links to register on the homepage for the town and the town’s emergency services websites, or by visiting the Fire Marshal’s office at town hall. Just look for the "Click here to Register-CodeRed™” image on the webpage.
"This enables the towns’ first responders to initiate a mass calling of the community with a single recorded message informing residents of emergency action steps that they should take, in a timely manner.” Emergency Management Director Marc McEwan stated.
CodeRed™ combines its calling data and utilizes GIS mapping technology to geographically target and notify affected individuals. Users simply outline the targeted area on the online map, record a voice message, and then launch the session. Simultaneously, CodeRed™ dials all phone numbers in the designated calling zone. Alternatively, users can launch calls from lists of numbers that can be pre-built and re-used. Notification results are immediately available which provide call session statistics. This real-time detail is extremely helpful during door-to-door evacuations.
"Communication is critically important in times of an emergency. The CodeRed™ system allows us to reach every Darien resident, during a time when each minute counts" said First Selectwoman Evonne Klein.
CodeRed™ can send notification to land lines, cell phones, alpha and digital pagers, fax machines, email addresses and TTY/TDD devices (for hearing impaired). Residents can add their cell phone or alternate phone number to the CodeRed™ database by visiting the Town of Darien homepage www.darienct.gov , or the Office of Emergency Management website at www.darienct.gov clicking the link for Public Safety and then the link for emergency management by clicking on the "click here to register CodeRed™ icon.
For more information regarding CodeRed™, please visit http://www.coderedweb.net.
END OF RELEASE
