This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
10/12/2022 08:42 AMBFD Also Introduces Branford Community Connect
The Town of Branford is spreading the news: all residents and businesses are urged to register with Branford’s new mass emergency notification system, CodeRed, to receive vital information by phone during hazardous conditions and other emergency incidents.
Residents and businesses can also opt in to receive non-emergency updates and weather alerts through CodeRed. Notification will go directly to the cell phone or land line number provided. All contact information is private and will only be used for community notifications.
The CodeRed system is completely separate and independent from the CT-Alert Everbridge statewide emergency notification system, so if you’re signed up to receive CT-Alert, you still need to register for CodeRed, said Branford Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Thomas Mahoney. CT-Alert will remain active and be used as a back-up, and is still used by the state for any alerts, he noted.
“CodeRed is our best way to reach everyone in an emergency. We want as many people to be signed up for the emergency messages, so when we have something to send out that we really need to make people aware of, we’re able to send that information to them in an accurate way,” said Mahoney. “The CodeRed system also allows you the options of receiving messages for non-emergency or general notifications, as well as weather alerts.”
During an emergency, CodeRed will also send links to any websites, if available, providing the most accurate information or updates, said Mahoney.
CodeRed is the Town’s Reverse-911 system. Even if people think they have Reverse-911 automatically activated on their cell phone systems, they should sign up at CodeRed to be sure, said Mahoney.
“When you purchase a cellular telephone, it automatically enrolls you in the Reverse-911 system, unless you opt out. But, there’s no guarantee that the Town has everybody’s information, so we have to solicit that information. So this is the Reverse-911 system, and what we’re trying to do is to get everyone that wants to be on board, be on board. Signing up for CodeRed is the best way to do that.”
Having CodeRed up and running town-wide will also allow for the optimal operation of critical response communications systems during an emergency, said Mahoney.
“What happens in an emergency is that people start calling the 911 center for information,” he said. “They don’t realize these same people they’re calling are the ones that are trying to manage the emergency. So they’re managing 911 calls while they’re also getting calls for basic information. It actually makes things more difficult. The 911 center should only be called for emergencies.”
Mahoney said a town-wide CodeRed information and registration campaign is anticipated to roll out this week, including a mailer delivered to Branford postal customers. Access to CodeRed registration is available via Smartphone (text “Branford” to 99411), QR code scan, or online at www.branford-ct.gov , click on CodeRed (or enter url: https://www.branford-ct.gov/departments/emergency-management/CodeRed). Residents without internet access can get assistance signing up by calling Blackstone Library at 203-488-1441 or Willoughby Wallace Library at 203-488-8702.
Mahony also noted residents always need to make the important effort to be prepared and aware of their circumstances.
“Essentially, everybody needs to take some responsibility for their personal safety,” he said. “They should also not rely on government to give them all the situational awareness they need to know. If you live an area that’s prone to flooding, you should know that. Branford has some areas the get cut off during a flooding event. If there’s an emergency such as a medical emergency, we will make every effort to reach you. But if you know ahead of time that you are somewhat vulnerable, you should leave for the time of the event.”
Branford Fire Department Introduces Branford Community Connect
As the Town’s fire chief, Mahony also wants to alert the community that Branford Fire Department (BFD) has just introduced a new feature to aid in emergency responses: Branford Community Connect.
Separate from CodeRed, Branford Community Connect allows residents and business owners to share key information about their location on a secure platform that’s only accessed by BFD in an emergency. Registrants choose the information they want to provide. The details can help responders quickly assist those with disabilities or medical equipment requirements, or to be aware of locations of hazardous materials, the number of people and pets in the structure and many other details. Mahoney said the system provides “bank level security,” for each address profile provided by registrants.
“It’s only the information that they want share, and that information is only accessible to the fire department if we’re responding to an emergency at your location,” said Mahoney. “If that address comes up and the fire units responding are dispatched to it, they’ll be able to access that information en route to your emergency.”
Sign up is available online now at https://www.communityconnect.io/info/ct-branford
Once signed up, the system will automatically generate an annual email to the registrant to update any information about their household, business or property. That’s a significant difference from the Town’s current computer aided 911-dispatch program, which has a record if it’s been initially provided by the community member.
“The one missing part of the computer-aided 911 dispatch is there isn’t any type of efficient way to follow up and make sure that information is still accurate,” said Mahoney. “Community Connect will send you an email once year that asks if the information is still valid and correct.”