FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Bland County Announces CodeRED Emergency Warning System

MARCH 11, 2016

(The County of Bland, Virginia) – The County of Bland would like to announce the implementation of the CodeRED high-speed emergency notification system and the CodeRED Weather Warning System. The CodeRED system will serve as the backbone of the County's emergency planning and communications outreach to deliver messages to a targeted area or the entire county by way of a personalized message via voice, email, and text messaging.

CodeRED Weather Warning is an opt-in only weather warning product that taps into the National Weather Service's Storm Based Warning. Citizens will be able to receive not only weather warnings that impact our county, but also special messages from the Bland County Sheriff's Office, Fire Departments, Rescue Squad and Public Works.

This no charge update will allow message recipients to easily identify calls coming through the system. Message recipient's caller ID will read Emergency Communications Network or 866- 419-5000 for CodeRED calls. For CodeRED weather warning calls, either Emergency Communications Network or the number 800-566-9780 will appear on caller ID displays.

"Most relevant for our citizens," says Jenna Dunn, Bland County 911/Emergency Services Coordinator, "residents can simply dial the number displayed on their caller ID to hear the last message delivered. This will greatly reduce the number of inbound inquiries handled by our office and will offer residents an immediate replay of the message."

CodeRED has provided the County of Bland with a general database, but citizens are encouraged to simply log onto the Bland County website, http://www.blandcountyva.gov and follow the link to "CodeRED Community Notification Enrollment" page. It is recommended that all businesses register, as well as all individuals who have unlisted phone numbers, individuals and businesses who have changed their phone number or address within the past year, and those who use a cellular phone or a VOIP phone as their primary number. Those without internet access may call Bland County's Department of Emergency Services at 688- 4641 Monday-Friday, (8:30 am-5pm) to supply their information over the phone.

The CodeRED system and its services have been acquired through a regional emergency services grant project which involves the County of Bland.