CodeRed Emergency Alert Service FAQs

Who else is using CodeRED?

Locally, there are a total of 14 municipalities and two Townships using CodRED: Centerville, Germantown, Kettering, Miamisburg, Moraine, Springboro, Beavercreek, Sidney, Tipp City, Vandalia, Waynesville, Xenia, Yellow Springs Washington Township, Corwin and Wayne Township

What types of emergencies will CodeRED be used for and how often will it be used?

Each jurisdiction determines when, what type, and how often they wish to use CodeRED. The Village of Yellow Springs has decided to use CodeRED primarily for the following purposes: fires, floods, water boil alerts, missing persons, evacuation notices, crime alerts, terrorist threats, chemical spills, drinking water contamination, viral outbreaks, utility outages, street closures, etc. The Village does not wish to overload the public with information, so discretion will be used while maintaining the utmost goal of public safety.

What are examples of when CodeRED has been used before.

CodeRED was used in 2003 by officials in Calvert County, Md., and Summit, N.J., to alert residents of the approach of Hurricane Isabel.

CodeRED is also credited with helping the Hernando County, Fla., Sheriffs Department rescue a 14 year-old girl abducted from her church, CodeRED made 426 calls requesting information from the neighborhood residents long before the girl's abduction status met Amber Alert criteria

Why do I need to register?

You only need to register if you wish to receive the emergency alert:

• On your cell phone
• On your work phone as a back-up to your home phone
• If you recently moved
• If you have an unlisted phone number
• If you use TDD/TTY
• If you are a busines

Can businesses participate?

Yes. In fact, the Village of Yellow Springs encourages businesses to register to receive the emergency alerts.

Can TDD/TTY equipment receive the calls?

Yes. When you register your number there is an option to enter the TDD/TTY information.

What if I'm not home to receive the alert message?

The CodeRED dialing system will leave the emergency alert message on your voice mail or answering machine. If you do not have voice mail or an answering machine, the dialer will attempt your phone number three times. This would be a great reason to register your work or cell phone number as a backup number.

Who oversees CodeRED?

The Village has a CodeRED Administrator within the Yellow Springs Police Department. The administrator receives authorization from police and/or fire chiefs and the village manager before launching the alert message.

Will I be charged for receiving a CodeRED alert?

No. Along with other cities, the Village of Yellow Springs entered into a two-year contract for the CodeRED service with the Miami Valley Communications Council.

I am a caregiver for my elderly mother. Can I receive the alert on her behalf?

Yes. Caregivers and family members can register their phone number as an alternate.

Who do I contact if I have any problems or concerns about CodeRED?

Please contact the Yellow Springs Police Department at 767-7206 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday. E-mail: .