Code Red

By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

Having accurate and timely information during a critical event can save lives. First responders know how important it is to have accurate and timely information about an incident that may impact our community. Being armed with factual information allows us to plan for inclement weather, direct resources to effected areas, and restore peace and order.

The Cherokee Sheriffs Office, Emergency Management Agency, and the local municipal police departments utilize an emergency public notification system called CodeRED.

What is CodeRED, and what is it used for?

CodeRED is a web-based communication solution that enables local public safety to notify residents and businesses about time-sensitive information, emergencies, or urgent notifications. The system can reach thousands of individuals in minutes to convey information such as evacuation notices, missing persons, and inclement weather advisories.

How does CodeRED work?

Any message regarding the safety of our residents and community will be disseminated using CodeRED. Subscribers can receive critical information via voice, text, email, RSS feeds, IPAWS, the CodeRED Mobile Alert app push notifications, website widgets, social media and more, all from one single interface.

CodeRED notifications are geo-location specific, which allows the scope of the notification to define a specific area of notification ranging from a block to a mile radius or an entire county to ensure only those recipients impacted by events are notified. This basically means that public safety can be very specific to the area we are notifying. For instance, if a significant incident impacted the Towne Lake community, we could notify residents specific to that area.

CodeRED is also linked to the National Weather Service and can automatically send notifications regarding extreme weather emergencies that have been identified, which may impact your specific area.

How will I know CodeRED is calling?

A CodeRED message will have the caller ID # 866-419-5000 for emergencies and caller ID # 855-969-4636 for non-emergencies. We suggest that you program these numbers into your cell phone as a new contact, and use CodeRED as the contact name. If you need to replay the message received, you can dial this number, and listen to the message again in its entirety.

Is there a cost to register for CodeRED?

No. Registering for CodeRED phone calls, texts, messages, and email are free. Simply sign up on our enrollment website, and select your preferred means of communication.

How do I sign up?

You can visit the Cherokee Sheriffs Office website at CherokeeGa-Sheriff.org, and scroll to the bottom of the main page, then click on the CodeRED icon. You can also visit Public.CodeRedWeb.com/cne/en-US/ BF64AA522EE3 and enter the required information online.

The Cherokee Sheriffs Office is committed to improving the quality of life for citizens. We consider it an honor and a privilege to serve you.