Make sure you are enrolled in CodeRed

We’ve all watched the wildfire disasters in California, the tornado disasters in the panhandle and, most recently, the flooding disaster washing away entire towns in Nebraska. But do you know what to do in case of any of these situations?

In Hot Springs County, one of the best things you can do is to get yourself and your family enrolled with CodeRed.

Sure, we have sirens here in town, but they are designed to warn people who are already outside. The chances of you hearing the sirens if you’re in your basement, say, doing laundry, are slim. And if you live in the county proper, you won’t hear them at all.

CodeRed is designed to give you immediate information on an impending disaster via text message on your smartphone as well as a voice message in case of an emergency.

It is simple to get yourself and your loved ones registered with CodeRed. Simply go to the county’s website and click on the CodeRed box and follow the instructions. Every member of the family should be registered so everyone receives the emergency messages.

Many times, families are separated, like mom is at home, kids are at practice, dad is at work – having everyone registered with CodeRed ensures the entire family knows what is going on.

If you’re like most of us, if its an unfamiliar number popping up on your screen, chances are you don’t answer it. Both CodeRed numbers should be saved in your phone so you know the call is one you need to take.

Another item Bill Gordon, Emergency Management Coordinator for the county recommends is a NOAA All Hazard Radio.

Gordon says, without a doubt, the NOAA radio will wake you up in the middle of the night when it goes off, whereas you may sleep through the beep of your cellphone. The NOAA radio does not go off unless an immediate emergency situation is imminent, so it won’t be making noises all the time that would tempt you to turn it off.

The radios are inexpensive, running in the $25 to $35 range and Gordon said he would be happy to help folks set theirs up when they buy them. He will also help you get registered with CodeRed if you’re having problems getting it taken care of.

The great thing about the NOAA radio and CodeRed together is that neither one will be used unless there is an actual emergency or something the public needs to be aware of.

Gordon said they will be testing the emergency sirens at noon on Saturday, April 6.

If you have any questions, feel free to call Gordon at 864-4649.