Sedona AZ (April 12, 2014) – As the U.S. Forest Service fire crews continue to battle the Fisher Fire burning southeast of Flagstaff, Arizona, Coconino County Emergency Management is encouraging residents to register for its CodeRED emergency notification system.
CodeRED is a free service that alerts residents and businesses about time-sensitive general and emergency situations that are either imminent or occurring in their communities. The County is using the service to keep residents informed about wildfires and other emergencies, including severe weather.
“The Fisher Fire has provided us with a stark reminder that the fire season is already upon us,” said County Emergency Manager Robert Rowley. “It is always a great practice to be prepared for whatever emergency conditions may arise.”
Prior to the fire, the County had already planned to test the system on April 18 with a call to all registered phone numbers. The fully automated CodeRED system utilizes more than twice the number of phone lines than the old Ready Coconino notification system and operates significantly faster.
In addition, those signing up for notifications can now receive them through land-line and cell phones, text messages and or e-mails: Users can also download the “CodeRED Mobile Alert” app to smartphones.
CodeRED allows geographically based delivery, which requires a street address to ensure that information is delivered to the proper individuals in a given situation. The system works for both landline and cellphones, but both require an address so that residents receive location-specific notifications.
Those who were previously enrolled to receive notifications through Ready Coconino will have their information transferred to CodeRED. However, to receive severe weather warnings, users must create an online account and opt-in for the service.
“No one should assume that their information is already included to receive notifications,” Rowley said. “All county residents are encouraged to log on to ensure their information is current. If your phone number is not in our database, you will not be called.”
Residents are also encouraged to be prepared for any emergency by creating a “go-bag” that can be grabbed whenever needed. The bag should include:
• First-aid kit
• Food and water
• Blankets
• Medication
• Personal hygiene items such as soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, etc.
• Small denominations of cash
• A Flashlight and extra batteries
• Copies of important documents in a waterproof, portable container
• Tools
Property owners and residents should also clear any brush, weeds, pine needles and other flammable material from around their homes. For more fire home preparedness tips, visit www.firewise.org.
For reliable, up-to-date information on the Fisher Fire and future emergency situations, monitor the County’s website at www.coconino.az.gov, Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coconinocounty and Twitter page at www.twitter.com/coconinocounty.
For more information and to register for CodeRED and learn how to create a go-bag, visit www.coconino.az.gov/emergency or call 928-679-8311 or toll-free at 866-939-0911.
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