All Encouraged to Sign-up for Emergency and Non-emergency Alerts at County Website
Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety is encouraging all residents, visitors, and businesses to sign up for a new mass notification system known as CodeRED that will allow county officials to quickly deliver alert messages regarding emergency situations and or severe weather. All can sign up for the notification system through the county’s website at www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/CodeRED
On May 31, 2018 at 10:00 AM, a validation call will be held to validate numbers in Westmoreland County’s Emergency Notification data base.
According to the National Weather Service, “On the evening of May 31st, 1985, a devastating and deadly tornado outbreak struck the Northeastern United States and Canada. 43 tornadoes and numerous damaging thunderstorms tore across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ontario. This event was the deadliest tornado outbreak of the 1980's; killing 89 people in total, injuring more than 1,000 others, and racking up more than $600 million in property damage. In fact, since May 31, 1985, only two tornado days have been deadlier in the entire United States.”
“Keeping our citizens, visitors, and businesses safe and informed during severe weather events like the Tornado outbreak of 1985 is very important,” said Director Roland “Bud” Mertz. “CodeRED is another tool that the county is providing to help citizens stay informed and stay safe.” May 31 was chosen to launch the CodeRED Emergency Notification System because of its significance in weather history.
Users can sign up for which alerts they would like to receive and the notifications can be sent to a cell phone, landline, or email address. The CodeRED system has the ability to utilize Geographical Information System (GIS) technology to strategically deploy notifications.
"The CodeRED system will give residents, visitors, and businesses the ability to add their own phone numbers directly into a database to receive emergency and non-emergency alerts,” said Director Mertz. “If your phone number is not in the database, you may not be able to receive alerts. No one should assume his or her phone number is automatically included,” Mertz said urging all individuals and businesses to visit the Westmoreland County website at, www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/CodeRED or click the CodeRED button at the bottom of the county website to register.”
CodeRED Weather Warning is an opt-in only weather warning product that taps into the National Weather Service’s Storm Based Warnings. CodeRED Weather Warning automatically alerts affected citizens in the path of severe weather just moments after a warning has been issued.
Residents, people who work but do not live in Westmoreland County, as well as visitors to the area are encouraged to register and download the free CodeRED Mobile Alert app.
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