The test calls will run between 10 am and 3pm and will continue until the entire database has been attempted. This call will give county personnel the chance to operate the system as if there has been a community wide disaster.
The message that is being delivered directs recipients to the Black Hawk County web site to add additional contact numbers, and it also asks that recipients spread the word by mentioning the system to family, friends and neighbors.
Frank Magsamen, Chair of the Black Hawk County Emergency Management Commission, suggests that “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.” In particular businesses should 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 phones (such as Vonage) as their primary numbers.
Magsamen urges citizens to log onto the county website at target='_blank'>www.co.black-hawk.ia.us and follow the CodeRED link at the top of the page. Those without Internet access may call 319-291-4373 Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm for registration options. Required information includes a street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes) for location purposes and a primary phone number. Additional phone numbers, email and text addresses may also be entered.
More information about the CodeRED system is on the website, any questions should be directed to Black Hawk County Emergency Management 319-291-4373.