WASHOE COUNTY NEWS RELEASE
As part of the Washoe County Regional Emergency team effort to keep citizens and businesses informed during a disaster, an “all call” test of the Code Red reverse 911 dialing system will be conducted mid-day Friday, Dec. 28.
The Countywide, “all-call” test will help validate the phone database by dialing every telephone land line number listed in the County. Emergency managers encourage citizens to sign up with their cellular telephones as well by visiting www.readywashoe.com and clicking on “Get the message.”
“The Code Red system is only as good as the telephone number database that supports it,” said Washoe County Emergency Manager Aaron Kenneston. “If your number is not in the database, you will not be called, but one of the reasons we selected the Code Red system is it gives individuals and businesses the ability to add their phone numbers directly into the system, which is extremely important in the event of an emergency.”
Kenneston said Code Red is part of the “Resolve to be Ready 2013″ campaign, which encourages all citizens to make a plan, assemble a kit and stay informed.
“Now is the time to prepare, so we want everyone to have a disaster plan in place for emergencies,” said Kenneston. “Assemble a 72-hour emergency supply kit, stay informed about potential hazards, and don’t forget to make provisions for special needs individuals and pets.”
Besides Code Red, public safety officials and first responders use several other methods to alert the public in case of emergency, including door-to-door notifications, media releases and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages on radio and television. But by utilizing the Code Red program, residents can make evacuation plans even sooner by signing up to receive the reverse 911 call on their cell phones.
Residents will see the number (866) 419-5000 appear on their phones, and can call that number back to hear a message in its entirety and also save the number under “Code Red” for future use. Washoe County citizens may also call 211 with questions about the program.
For more information on the Washoe County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, please visit www.washoecounty.us/em.
