Residents who are using the county’s ReadyNotify system are asked to re-register, as Cuyahoga County’s ReadyNotify emergency notification system is in the process of upgrading to a new platform, called CodeRED. “Technology is ever changing,” said County Executive Budish, “Even in the five years since we launched ReadyNotify, the advantages and features of the new ReadyNotify powered by CodeRED offer so much more. It is so important that our residents stay safe during emergencies and ReadyNotify is a powerful tool for that.”
The mass notification system, called ReadyNotify, used by Cuyahoga County and participating municipalities, has been used to issue emergency notifications to the public. ReadyNotify is similar to the North Royalton School District’s communications system that alerts parents of school closures and other important information. The system utilizes telephones, cell phones, text messages, or emails to send a message to the members of the community, or all of Cuyahoga County.
In 2015, North Royalton City Council adopted legislation that authorized the Mayor to enter into a memorandum of understanding with Cuyahoga County in order to access the system, which gives them the ability to send notifications to residents. The program is free of charge to residents, the cost being underwritten by Cuyahoga County.
Just as ReadyNotify CodeRED is free to residents in Cuyahoga County. By registering, you can received information regarding emergency events, water boil alerts and safety messages. You can also opt to receive Cuyahoga County government news. Participation in the program is voluntary. You will need a valid email and phone number to sign up and the information requested includes address, your primary language, and if you require any special assistance during an emergency event. During sign-up, you will be asked to indicate how you want your information delivered.
As part of this transition, citizens currently subscribed to ReadyNotify are encouraged re-register in the upgraded system by visiting readynotify.us or downloading the CodeRED Mobile Alert App, available at the iTunes Store or GooglePlay. Re-registering will ensure that the system has accurate contact information and to enable added functionality and features of the upgraded system. Features include targeted weather alerting, safety alerts like Boil Alerts or other emergency notifications and community specific updates.
Those residents who are not currently enrolled can do so by visiting the county’s website, cuyahogacountyoh.my.gov-i.com/signup. If you have any questions, please email: readynotifysupport@cuyahogacounty.us. or call 216-443-5700.
“It’s another good tool that we have,”said North Royalton Safety Director, Bruce Campbell . We continue to look for different avenues to have a strong presence in the community through the social media world. Because of the various levels of demographics that we have, it’s the best way to reach a multitude of people, through the offerings of different social media notification.”
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer