New Emergency Notification System Announced For Norwalk

Information via the city of Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — Mayor Harry Rilling announced Tuesday the city of Norwalk recently switched from Code Red to Everbridge for its emergency notification system.

According to a news release provided by the city, the city's transition to Everbridge as its new emergency notification system (Notify Norwalk) aims to provide residents with a more robust and customizable communication experience while allowing the city to save funds.

"In emergency situations, our goal is to get residents the information they need in a timely and concise fashion," Rilling said in a news release, "and through this new emergency alert system, residents will not only receive timely information but can receive it in a way that suits their communication preferences, whether that's via text, email or a recorded phone call."

Residents have the flexibility to choose how they would like to receive these notifications – whether through phone calls, emails, or text messages. This personalized approach helps ensure that residents stay informed in a way that suits their communication preferences, according to the city.

Residents can also download the Everbridge mobile app to receive notifications by searching "Everbridge" in their app store.

This switch allows the city to use the state of Connecticut's E-911 database for all imminent life-threatening situations since the state also uses Everbridge. For other emergency alerts and follow-up messages, the city may use the local Everbridge system, according to the city.

While the local Everbridge system brings several benefits, it requires residents previously subscribed to CodeRed to re-register, as contact information could not be seamlessly transferred to the new platform due to data protection issues.

Re-registering will also help ensure that the data the city has for residents is current since people’s contact information has the tendency to change, according to city officials.

Furthermore, with Everbridge, residents can choose to receive prompt, automated, accurate severe weather warnings through the National Weather Service, helping them stay prepared and safe during adverse weather conditions, according to the city.

To sign up for Everbridge, visit the city's website at norwalkct.gov and select the Notify Norwalk spotlight or scroll to the FAQ at the bottom of the homepage. Residents may also text NORWALKCT to 888777 to receive messages via text without providing additional information.

While the transition requires residents to re-register for the local Everbridge platform, the enhanced features and improved communication capabilities will make this effort worthwhile, city officials said.

If residents have any questions, we ask that they contact our Customer Service Center at (203) 854-3200 Ext. 0 or by email at customerservice@norwalkct.gov.