Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Approximately 1,800 thunderstorms occur at any given time, lasting an average of 30 minutes and covering a 15-mile diameter, according to the National Weather Service. The two biggest threats associated with these storms are lightning and flash floods, both of which can be destructive and deadly.
To help alert residents, homeowners and businesses of threatening weather such as severe thunderstorms, flash floods and tornadoes, as well as other emergencies, Atlantic County uses the CodeRED emergency notification system to quickly deliver messages to targeted areas or throughout the entire county.
But the system is only as good as the telephone numbers it has stored. CodeRED can only deliver alerts to the numbers in its system. The CodeRED system includes all landline numbers in the Verizon database. Individuals and businesses have the ability to enter additional, unlisted, cell phone and VoIP numbers into the system.
Those who previously registered do NOT need to do so again. However, if you are unsure if your number is registered, or if you have changed your number or moved within the last year, you are encouraged to re-register by following the CodeRED link on either of the county’s two web sites: www.aclink.org or www.readyatlantic.org.
CodeRED provides geographically-based delivery based upon street addresses to ensure that emergency notification calls are received by the proper individuals in a given situation. Each phone number, including cell phones, must have an associated street address to provide relevant messages. All collected data is kept strictly confidential and may only be used in the event of an emergency or severe weather alert from the National Weather Service.
The service is free. Registrants may select the method(s) in which messages are delivered - by phone, text and/or email. If delivery to the primary contact mode fails, the system will automatically try another mode.
All incoming alerts will be displayed as “Emergency Communications Network.” Emergency alerts will appear from 1-866-419-5000. Weather alerts will appear from 1-800-566-9780.•Officials recommend saving both these numbers in your contacts list
For more information, visit the county web sites: www.aclink.org or www.readyatlantic.org.