Concord Police add Severe Weather Alerts in CodeRED Notification System

CONCORD, MA — Severe weather alerts are now included in Concord's CodeRED alert system for residents.

According to an announcement from police chief Joseph O'Connor, Concord has recently expanded its program with the Emergency Communications Network, providers of the CodeRED, to include the severe weather warning alerts -- the first community in Massachusetts to provide this service to residents. This announcement comes on the heels of an E-1 Tornado that ripped through Concord on Aug. 22.

The announcement also comes during September, which is National Preparedness Month.

“This automated warning system allows our community members to receive important information in the event of a severe weather situation,” O’Connor said in a statement. “September is National Preparedness Month and we encourage members of our community to sign up for this important service.”

According to the announcement, CodeRED Weather Warning is an opt-in only weather warning product that taps into the National Weather Service’s Storm Based Warnings. The program automatically alerts affected citizens in the path of severe weather just moments after a warning has been issued. Those who are already signed up for CodeRED will need to update their account to include the severe weather alerts.

"This no-charge update will allow message recipients to easily identify calls coming through the systems. Message recipient’s Caller ID will read Emergency Communications Network or 866-419-5000 for CodeRED calls. For CodeRED Weather Warning calls, either Emergency Communications Network or the number 800-566-9780 will appear on Caller ID displays.

Residents who would like to sign up for CodeRED can do so here. Those who would like additional information on the program, should visit the Concord Police Department's CodeREDfact page," according to the announcement.