Story County and Ames Go Code Red Feb. 28

Code Red Test for Story County Planned on February 28

NEVADA, Iowa – The Story County E-911 Board is planning to test the Code Red emergency notification system for Story County residents on Feb. 28.

The testing is anticipated to take place between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 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 Paul Fitzgerald, Story County Sheriff and Chair of the E911 Service Board. “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.”

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 to www.storycounty.com and click on the Sheriff’s Office and then the Code Red icon.

“No one should automatically assume his or her phone number is included and businesses should register as well as individuals.” Connie Hambly, E911 Database Coordinator added.

 Code Red allows each resident to add cell phone number 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.