County’s CodeRed is Latest Emergency Alert System

COURT HOUSE — Cape May County will provide residents with a countywide emergency alert system for use during emergencies and in advance of major storm events. 
The CodeRED alert system will be administered through the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management, under the direction of  Director, Martin Pagliughi.
Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton, who oversees the Office of Emergency Management stated in a release, “This countywide alert system is the first of its kind available at no charge to our residents, property owners, and visitors. 
“This will allow the county OEM to provide emergency alerts and notices in advance of, and during major storms, and during other non-weather related emergencies that may occur.”
The CodeRED emergency alert system allows the county to place a phone call that is simultaneously delivered to all landline telephones in Cape May County. 
Individuals who rely on cellular phone service can register to the CodeRED program for free by visiting www.capemaycountynj.gov, and click on the “Emergency Management” tab on the left margin of the website.  They can also verify that their landline is registered with the county on the same webpage.
“The CodeRED system will allow the county to deliver alerts to the entire county or to sections of the county that may be impacted by a localized emergent condition,” Pagliughi stated. 
“It will not replace but rather supplement the CodeRED alerts provided by individual communities which use the same technology for town-specific alerts.”
It is recommended that all businesses register for the alerts, as well as individuals who have unlisted phone numbers, who have changed phone numbers or addresses within the past year, and those who use a cellular phone or VoIP phone as their primary number. 
The county’s CodeRED system will incorporate the National Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, known as IPAWS.
Individuals who have Caller ID and see the number 866-419-5000 appear on their phones will know that an emergency alert phone call is being delivered. 
If they are unable to answer the phone to listen to the alert, they may simply dial that number to hear the most recent alert issued by the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management.
“Advanced warning of emergent storm events is the most practical way to save lives and property,” Pagliughi added.  “This tool will allow us to instantly communicate threats from events including hurricanes, nor’easters, blizzards, Derechos, and other emergent situations”.
The county will be conducting a test of the CodeRED system within the next two weeks.