RBC I Both Meeker and Rangely will utilize the CodeRED Rapid Emergency Notification System on Sept. 8 to conduct a test call.
The calls will begin at noon and will continue until the entire database has been attempted. The calls will give Meeker and Rangely personnel the chance to operate the system as if there has been a community-wide disaster.
The message that will be delivered directs recipients to the Rio Blanco County website to add additional contact numbers, and it also asks that recipients spread the word by mentioning the system to family, friends and neighbors.
John Hutchins, Rio Blanco County emergency manager, suggests “all individuals and businesses should take the time to visit our website and add contact information to include cellular phones and other non-traditional phones as well as email and text addresses. If your contact information is not in the database, you will not receive a call when an urgent message is sent.”
Businesses are encouraged to register, as well as individuals who have unlisted phone numbers, who have changed their phone number recently, and those who use a cellular phone exclusively or have VoIP (voice-over-Internet phones), such as Vonage, as their primary numbers.
Hutchins urges citizens to log onto the county website at www.co.rio-blanco.co.us and go to the sheriff’s office link, follow the CodeRED link in the middle of the page. Those without Internet access may call 878-9620 in Meeker and 675-8466 in Rangely Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Required information includes a street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes) for location purposes and a primary phone number. Additional phone numbers, e-mail and text addresses may also be entered.
More information about the CodeRED system is on the website. Questions should be directed to the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office at 878-9620 in Meeker and the Rangely Police Department at 675-8466 in Rangely.