Because Chaffee County wants to reach everyone affected by an emergency whether or not they have signed up for CodeRED®, two Chaffee County telephone number databases are already available to the system. One is the emergency 9-1-1 database all public safety agencies in Chaffee County use whenever someone dials 9-1-1. The other is a database prepared by the company that supplies CodeRED® service to the County. Both databases are updated regularly.

If you have moved or changed your telephone number recently, you should definitely sign up for CodeRED® service or update information you have already provided. Any new information you supply will automatically replace old information.

Question:     What is CodeRED® and why is it important to me?

Answer:       CodeRED® is a Chaffee County service by which Emergency Service officials can notify  residents by telephone about emergency situations or critical community alerts. The system is capable of sending messages only to people affected by a particular situation, or, in the case of a widespread emergency, to the County’s entire population.

Question:     Does this mean that dispatch will be calling constantly?

Answer:        No. We  respect your privacy. CodeRED® will be used only when situations arise that you should know about.

Question:      For what kinds of situations will CodeRED® be used?

Answer:       Severe weather, wildfire, water main breaks, alerts concerning a missing child or adult, community safety emergencies, hazardous material spills – in short, any   emergencies and community alerts, where community safety could be affected.

Question:     Why do I need CodeRED® when I have radio and TV to keep me informed?

Answer:       CodeRED® is an additional measure of safety, we believe all of our residents need and deserve. If power goes out, you may not be able to depend upon radio and TV. However, because telephone lines are self-powered, we can continue to keep you informed through messages delivered by CodeRED®.

Even if you have power, CodeRED® will probably be able to reach you with important information faster than TV and radio stations can put it on the air. That’s because CodeRED® is a direct connection between you and Chaffee County..

Many emergencies occur without advance warning. In such cases, you may have no reason to turn on a TV or radio. That’s when CodeRED® can help officials alert you immediately and advise you to take appropriate action.

Question:     I have a cordless phone, and it does not work when the power goes out. How is CodeRED® going to be able to contact me?

Answer:       There are two ways you can continue to receive telephone messages from  CodeRED®:

1.   Make sure you have at least one working corded telephone – and be sure to turn the ringer on.

2.   The CodeRED® “Residential Data Collection” sign-up form gives you the option of filling in both a Primary Phone number and an alternate phone number. You can fill in the Alternate Phone number blank with your cell telephone number, or you can make it your Primary Phone number if you wish. Entering an alternate phone number will cause BOTH your primary and alternate phone numbers to be called.

Of course, no form of communication is guaranteed to remain in operation under severe conditions.  CodeRED® does widen the safety margin by offering residents another powerful means of learning about vital, timely information.

Question:      Do I have to pay extra for CodeRED® service?

Answer:        No. CodeRED® is entirely paid for by your 9-1-1 Authority Board.

Question:     Does CodeRED® have my telephone number, or do I have to sign up to receive CodeRED® emergency calls?

Answer:       We strongly encourage you to sign up for CodeRED®. After all, you are the most reliable source of information about how to reach your household by phone. 

Question:     How do I sign up for CodeRED®?

Answer:       To sign up, got to www.chaffeesheriff.org, click on Communications, then CodeRED® and it will take you to the CodeRED® Residential Data Collection Form you can fill out online. This is the quickest, easiest way to sign up because the information you supply will immediately update Chaffee County’s CodeRED® telephone number database.

If you do not have access to the Internet, you can fill out a paper form that will be available at the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office.. This form is a duplicate of the online form.

Question:   Can I arrange to have CodeRED® call my place of business?

Answer:     Yes. Go to the above CodeRED® link. When the Residential Data Collection form opens, click on the button labeled “Click to Switch to Business Data” and fill in the required information. Please note that emergency calls can only be delivered to a direct dial number. Automated attendants will disrupt the process and calls will not be delivered.

Question:    Can I choose NOT to receive CodeRED® messages?

Answer:      Yes. Chaffee County  respects your privacy.

If you do not want to receive calls, please notify Chaffee County Dispatch Center,  in writing. However, we strongly advise you to reconsider. CodeRED® is designed to make certain you receive fast, accurate emergency information directly from the Emergency Service officials whose job is to help protect you and your family.

Question:     Who provides the CodeRED® service? Is the company reputable?

Answer:       Emergency Communications Network in Ormond Beach, Florida, provides the service to Chaffee County.  

Question:    I live near Chaffee County, but I am not a resident. Can I sign up for CodeRED®?

Answer:      No, unfortunately. Chaffee County pays for CodeRED® service based on its own population. However, we encourage you to check with the county or city in which you live. Many use automated telephone notification systems to alert residents in times of emergency.

Numbers put into the system are are checked by 911 administrators and numbers without Chaffee County addresses are eliminated from the system..

A vitally important service, CodeRED® is yet another way Chaffee County is seeking to reach out to its citizens.If you have any further questions about CodeRED®, please call Chaffee County Communications Center,  719-539-2596