Punta Gorda installs phone alert system

STAFF REPORT

PUNTA GORDA -- The city is in the process of implementing high-speed emergency notification services, allowing officials to quickly relay urgent messages to residents by phone, according to a police press release.

The CodeRED system can deliver prerecorded notification/information messages at up to 60,000 calls per hour, the release states. The system can target specific areas or the whole city.

Messages will be sent out to inform residents of emergencies, such as hurricanes, natural disasters, missing children, endangered adults, sex offender/predator alerts, chemical spills and gas leaks.

If a resident's phone number is not in the CodeRED database, he or she will not be called, the release states.

Residents who want to be sure they are included in the system can log on to the city's Web site, www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us, and click on "CodeRED Residential and Business Data Collection."

Residents can also pick up an application form at the Public Safety Building, at 1410 Tamiami Trail.

Questions should be directed to the Punta Gorda Police Department, 575-5513.

Last modified: November 15. 2006 6:07AM