Enter Your Number for Code Red

People who no longer have a land line might want to enter their number into Story County's Code Red system.

Code Red is first responders way of alerting residents to emergency situations in their area, but it only works if they have your number. 

The Code Red system relies on public phone records to deliver a recorded message. Those residents who have unlisted phone numbers, have changed their phone number within the last year, or who use a cell phone exclusively are not in the Code Red database. To enter new data or to provide supplemental contact information, go towww.cityofames.org and click on the Code Red icon.

The Story County E-911 Board is planning to test the Code Red emergency notification system for Ames residents on Tuesday, Feb. 28. The test message will be delivered to residents as an automated phone call, text message or email.

“Code Red is an excellent way to provide information during an emergency,” said Doug Houghton, Support Services Manager, Ames Police Department. “But it only works if your information is included in the database. This test will help us determine how many people we can reach, but also alert residents who don’t get a test message to provide contact information.”

Code Red allows each resident to add cell phone numbers or email addresses. It also allows a person to select multiple ways to be contacted including phone, text, or email. This information is not shared with any other agency and is only used in case of emergency.

“Code Red has been successfully used during the flood of 2010, and we will use it whenever appropriate to keep people informed and updated during emergencies,” Houghton added.