Pittsfield Adds New Languages to Emergency Notification System
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city of Pittsfield's emergency notification system, CodeRED, now features Spanish, French, and Portuguese language options.
CodeRED notifications, which are produced and generated by the city of Pittsfield, include both citywide calls as well as neighborhood specific messaging. Updates can range from missing persons alerts, severe weather events, road closures, hydrant flushing, water main breaks, and other emergencies.
Currently, a total of 16, 212 users, from both residences and businesses, are signed up for CodeRED and receive updates via phone messages, texts, and emails. The notification system is operated by Onsolve, a Georgia-based company and has been utilized by the city since 2013. New sign ups have the option to select their preferred language of choice. Visit here to register:
"As we want to ensure that all city residents have access to these important messages, it was essential to expand our language offerings to reflect the growing communities in Pittsfield," said Roberta McCulloch-Dews, director of administrative services and public information officer. "The city is home to many Spanish-speaking community members, and after reaching out to the Berkshire Immigrant Center, we also learned that there are many members from the Ivory Coast of West Africa and Brazil who call Pittsfield home as well."
In addition to these new offerings, it's also a great opportunity for those who aren't signed up to register as well, said McCulloch-Dews.
"CodeRED is one of the ways in which the city of Pittsfield shares important and timely information," she said. "It's our hope that everyone who is able to sign up for this critical resource will do so."
Individuals will have the option to choose one of three types of accounts: single sign-on, managed, or non-managed.
"The single sign-on account will allow registrants to use their credentials from either Google, Facebook, or Twitter. However, we encourage users to create a managed account as they will be able to update their information as needed," said McCulloch-Dews.
Individuals who would like to update their preferred language also have the option of deactivating their existing account and re-enrolling to make a new language selection. To sign up, visit here.
CodeRED frequently asked questions:
What is CodeRED and what is it used for?
CodeRED® is an emergency notification system that enables local public safety personnel to notify residents and businesses by telephone, text message, email, social media and more oftime-sensitive information, emergencies or urgent alerts. The system can reach hundreds of thousands of individuals in minutes to ensure information such as evacuation notices, missing persons, inclement weather advisories and more are quickly shared. Only authorized officials have access to send alerts using the CodeRED system.
When will CodeRED be used?
Any message regarding the safety of our residents and community will be disseminated using CodeRED. We will send out alerts via phone, text, email, and social media in a variety of situations including boil water notices, gas leaks, evacuation notices, police activity, fire emergencies, missing persons and more. This is a community alert system to ensure you remain informed of important information. Please keep in mind that as you register to receive CodeRED, you have the ability to select the types of alerts you wish to receive and your preferred means of communication.
Is there a cost to register for CodeRED?
No, registering for CodeRED phone calls, text messages, and email is free. Simply sign up on our enrollment website and select your preferred means of communication. How will I know when CodeRED is calling? A CodeRED message will have the caller ID # 866-419-5000 for emergencies and caller ID # 855-969-4636 for non-emergencies. We suggest that you program these numbers into your cell phone as a "new contact" and use "CodeRED" as the contact name. If you need to replay the message received, you can dial this number and listen to the message again in its entirety.
Why is CodeRED important to me?
CodeRED helps keep you informed and prepared for any emergencies that may occur in our area. Officials will send messages to alert you of emergency details, instructions or precautions that you need in order to make well-informed decisions and remain safe. This system is precise enough to geotarget residents within an exact area of impact, so that only those people who are affected by an emergency situation are notified.
How do I sign up?
Does CodeRED already have my telephone number?
No resident should assume that their information is in the system. Please visit our website and look for the link for the CodeRED Enrollment page to register online. Can I register more than one phone number or email for my address?
Yes, you can register more than one phone number and/or email address for your location when you register for CodeRED. Please note that it is highly recommended you register at least one phone number and one email address to ensure that you will receive CodeRED alerts in the event of a power outage or an incident that may occur late at night when you are generally asleep.
What do I do if I receive a CodeRED alert?
If you receive a CodeRED phone call, listen carefully to the entire message. You can repeat the message by pressing any key. Do not call 911 for further information unless directed to do so, or you need immediate aid from the police or fire department. If you receive a CodeRED email or text message, please be sure to read the entire message carefully and follow all instructions.
What if I miss a CodeRED phone call?
The CodeRED system will leave a message on your answering machine or voicemail if you miss the phone call. If you do not have an answering machine, the system will consider the call as "incomplete" and will attempt to call again after several minutes have passed. If your phone line is busy, CodeRED will try two more times to connect. At any point, you may re-dial the 800 number on your caller ID to hear a replay of the message sent.
Do I ever need to renew my registration?
Renewals are not necessary as long as your contact information has not changed. If you move, however, you must update your information to ensure you will continue receiving these valuable alerts.
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