Watertown and Codington County Officially Launch the CodeRED Emergency Alert System
- Steve Jurrens
- Feb 24
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The City of Watertown and Codington County have officially launched CodeRED, a high-speed emergency notification system designed to keep residents informed during critical events. The transition marks a significant shift from traditional cable-based alerts to a modern, multi-platform approach that delivers time-sensitive information directly to residents’ pockets.
A Response to Modern Needs
The decision to implement CodeRED stemmed from the limitations of previous systems. In the past, emergency alerts relied heavily on local cable TV and social media. However, as more residents move toward streaming services, cable alerts have become less effective.
“Social media alone is not a way to deliver timely information,” city officials noted, emphasizing the need for a direct, reliable method to reach the community during life-threatening situations like tornadoes, gas leaks, or evacuations.
Community Leaders Urge Resident Participation
During the official launch, a panel of local public safety experts gathered at the Northeast Radio SD studio to discuss the system’s vital role. The project has been in active development since January to ensure a seamless rollout for the county.
Live in the studio were:
· Troy VanDusen: 911 Communications Manager
· Angie Schafer: Assistant 911 Communications Manager
· Kelli Fritz: City of Watertown Public Information Officer
· Andrew Delgado: Codington County Emergency Management Director
“This is going to be a game-changer for us in Codington County,” noted Troy VanDusen. The team explained that the system is not just for Watertown residents; it is a critical tool for those in rural areas who may face unique hazards like flooding or road washouts.
How CodeRED Works
The CodeRED system allows the Watertown 911 Center to send geofenced alerts via phone calls, text messages, emails, and TTY. This capability enables dispatchers to target specific neighborhoods, a few blocks, or the entire county, depending on the scope of the emergency.
· Emergency Alerts: Critical notifications regarding immediate threats to life and safety, such as severe weather or public safety threats.
· Community Notifications: Optional subscriptions for non-emergency but time-sensitive info, including snow removal, utility updates, and city service disruptions.
· 911 Database Integration: The system automatically includes landline numbers from the Codington County 911 database, but residents should register mobile numbers to ensure they are reached.
Important Contact Info: Voice calls from the system will originate from (206) 536-3695. Residents are encouraged to save this number to prevent devices from flagging official emergency alerts as spam.
Residents and businesses can create a free account at www.watertownalerts.com or by texting Watertown to 36475.
