What is CodeRED?
The CodeRED Emergency Notification System is a new, fast communication service allowing Grayson County, Texas to notify citizens of an emergency situation.  It enables the county to provide mass notification quickly and easily. This service is free to Grayson County residents and businesses.
 
How will I benefit from this service?
This high-speed telephone system will allow the county to contact participants to provide information about a critical situation, what action needs to be taken, and notification that the situation has been resolved. 
 
What do I have to do to receive this benefit?
To receive CodeRED calls, you will need to register your home or business phone number in the CodeRED database, especially if you have an unlisted phone number, have changed your phone number or address within the last year, or you use a cellular phone as your home phone. 

How does it work?
CodeRED delivers the important message through a high-speed telephone calling system to a phone number on the CodeRED database.  City staff will access CodeRED via a secure portal on the web.   A "call area" will be marked identifying street addresses.  Telephone numbers will be matched up electronically to these addresses and a pre-recorded message will be sent out via the telephone with information about the incident and possibly instructions for action to be taken. 
 
What should I do if I receive a CodeRED message?
  ♦ Listen Carefully
  ♦ Follow Instructions
  ♦ Don’t hang up until you hear the whole message (the message will not be repeated)
  ♦ DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless instructed to do so (You will only tie up emergency lines)
  ♦ Tune your radio for further information
 
What does a CodeRED message sound like?
The message will always begin with the statement "This is a message from the Grayson County (department name addressing the situation)."  The remaining text will provide information about the situation including how and if people need to respond.  You may be directed to turn to a local radio or television station for updates and additional information.  Here's a sample of what you might hear:

Chemical Spill - Shelter in Place
This is a message from the (appropriate department).  Due to a hazardous material release in your immediate area, all citizens are requested to shelter in their homes, turn off all heating, air conditioning and ventilation, close windows and doors and tape any gaps that will allow air inside.  Shelter within the inner most part of the house.  Bring all pets inside.  Please do not call 9-1-1.  Listen to your radio for further information. Once the situation is resolved, you will be notified via the telephone. Thank you for your cooperation.
 
Chemical Spill - All Clear
This is a message from the (appropriate department).  The hazardous materials release has been taken care of and it is now safe to resume normal activities.  No necessary action need be taken.  Thank you for your cooperation.

What should I do if I don't receive a message?
Your area of the community may not be affected.  In which case, you won't receive a call even if it's only a block away.  Or, maybe your phone number and address don't match up, or are not even in the system.  In that case CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and follow the instructions.
  
Will the system work with cell phones?
Yes.  But, your cell phone number needs to be associated with your Grayson County address (this notification only applies to incidents occurring in Grayson County, Texas).  We encourage you to register your cell phone number.
 
What is CodeRED used for?
CodeRED will be used for significant incidents and events where the timely notification of an affected population or geographic area is essential.