Polk County takes big step to future of public safety alerting with CodeRED emergency notification system and Integrated Public Alert and Warning System capabilities

Polk County along with Cedartown, Rockmart, and Aragon through their existing CodeRED high-speed emergency notification system, will begin delivering messages through the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, known as IPAWS.

The added capability provides Polk County, and surrounding cities officials an effective way to alert and warn the public about potentially life-threatening emergencies through the Emergency Alert System (EAS), Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), NOAA Weather Radio and even issue notifications to other local alerting authorities all within the single CodeRED interface.

"By integrating these emergency alerting methods within the single CodeRED system, we’re able to streamline and make the process much more efficient in the way we notify residents of actual emergencies including imminent threats, saving time and redirecting valuable resources elsewhere that we need to protect our community in times of crisis,” said Randy Lacey, Emergency Management Director.

CodeRED notifications differ from alerts issued through IPAWS. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, messages initiated through IPAWS are limited to geographic targeting at the county level only and have limited alert detail based on character limitations.

When using the CodeRED system, Polk County officials can drill down to only notify those within the impacted area, even to residents affected within certain neighborhoods, reducing false alarm. Officials can include pertinent information in CodeRED messages, including any action required and other details that provide immediate benefit to the message recipient.

Those enrolled in CodeRED are encouraged to save the following telephone numbers in their phone’s contact books to make sure they can differentiate future warnings received: Emergency Communication 866- 419- 5000 or Emergency Communication Weather Alert 800-566-9780 and or also can download mobile app. Residents who have not yet enrolled or who have recently changed their contact information are encouraged to visit Polk County’s website at www.polkgeorgia.org and add or update their information.

The added integration allows surrounding officials to send staff notifications and geographically targeted notifications through CodeRED and IPAWS messages simultaneously. In emergency situations, every second counts and a streamlined process is required to provide timely protective information to the public.

The IPAWS program stems from a United States policy that requires an effective, reliable, integrated, flexible and comprehensive system to alert and warn residents.

Residents who have enrolled for the CodeRED System will continue to receive voice calls, text messages and emails.