Reverse 911 Implemented

Grafton launched a test call at 6 p.m. tonight of its new Code Red reverse 911 emergency notification system.

The system provides town officials with the ability to deliver messages quickly to target areas or the entire town.

cautioned that such systems are only as good as the telephone number data base supporting them.

“If your phone number is not in the data base, you will not be called,’’ he said in a prepared statement.

One of the reasons the Code Red system was selected is because it gives individuals and businesses the ability to add their own phone numbers directly into the system’s database.

This is an extremely important feature, he said.

No one should automatically assume his or her phone number is included, McInerney said.

He urged all individuals and businesses to log onto the Grafton web site at www.grafton-ma.gov and click the registration link.

Those without Internet access may call the selectmen’s office at (508) 839-5335 ext. 180, 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Required information includes first and last name, street address (physical address, no post office boxes), town, state, zip code and primary phone number. Additional phone numbers may be entered as well.

All businesses should register as should all individuals who have unlisted phone numbers, who have changed their phone number or address within the past year and who use a cell phone or VoiP phone as their primary number.

Individuals are encouraged to sign up for email and text delivery of the messages. 

McInerney explained that Code Red allows geographically-based delivery, which means street addresses are required to ensure emergency notification calls are received by the proper individuals in a given situation.

The data will be used only for emergency notifications.

For more information, contact the office of the Town Administrator at (508) 839-5335 ext. 180.