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CodeRED CALLS ABOUND, KEEP CITIZENS INFORMED

            Hot Springs Municipal Utilities customers received a record number of CodeRED calls during the past week, due to a national holiday as well as numerous weather-related events.
Since the July launch of CodeRED, the city’s new high-speed emergency telephone notification system, 15 calls have been issued.  Some were “all calls” to the entire database of city utility customers, while others were sent to a targeted sector.   In the past week, 7 calls were sent, notifying customers of the one-day delay in Sanitation pickup due to the Labor Day  holiday; inclement severe weather and flash flood warnings from the National Weather Service; low water pressure from Hot Springs Utilities; and a subsequent boil order.
CodeRED employs Internet mapping capability for the geographic targeting of calls, allowing city officials to telephone targeted areas or the entire city in cases of emergency such as chemical spill, missing child or mountain fire.
Hot Springs residents and businesses that are city water utility customers, including those located outside city limits, are automatically signed up for the CodeRED Emergency Notification System, using the city’s utility records.  The utility system includes the communities of Mountain Pine and Diamondhead.
However, the CodeRED system is only as good as the contact information supporting it.  It’s crucial that the name, address and phone number of each resident and business are current.  Therefore, all citizens are strongly encouraged to register online by clicking on the CodeRED logo on the city’s home page, www.cityhs.net.  The process takes about a minute. 
Those without Internet access can obtain a CodeRED Registration Form from the customer service counter in the Hot Springs Financial Services Building, 349 Malvern Avenue.  Or, they can register by phone weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling (501) 321-6861.  Additionally, citizens with Internet access can download printable forms from the city’s home page for friends or family members without Internet access.
Customers can further safeguard their families and property by electing to receive the CodeRED Weather Warning System.  A checkbox is included on the CodeRED registration form for electing this service, which dispatches automated tornado, flash flood, and severe weather warnings within seconds after issuance by the National Weather Service.  All information submitted is secure, and will only be used for emergency notifications.
Citizens should register for CodeRED and not rely on existing utility records because people often move, change phone numbers or obtain an unlisted number; people sometimes have utilities paid on their rental dwelling; and some may live in multi-residential facilities served by a common water meter.
Residents and businesspeople are encouraged to register for CodeRED and to add a second number, such as a cell phone number, to their registration if they have not already done so.  The system will automatically dial both numbers, providing additional protection if they are in the database.  Citizens can also opt out of notification services by calling 321-6861.
The city has contracted with Emergency Communications Network, Inc. of Ormond Beach, Florida for CodeRED service.  The service is funded by the city’s stormwater fee, included in Hot Springs Municipal Utilities’ monthly utility bill, and certain city departments.  For more information about CodeRED, call 321-6861.

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