Portsmouth Could See 'Reverse 9-1-1' System in Near Future

Town Administrator Robert G. Driscoll is recommending a CodeRED system for the town of Portsmouth.

"It will be my recommendation to approve a proposal for a CodeRED system," Driscoll said at Tuesday's Town Council meeting. "It gives us powerful capability in contacting people." 

A CodeRED system, similar to what is used by many communities throughout the state, is a high speed communication tool used for mass emergency notifications.

In the event of an emergency, a single, pre-recorded phone message would be sent out to every resident listed in the phone bank. This allows emergency personnel to alert residents all at once in the event of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, flood or other emergency.

A CodeRED is also referred to as a "Reverse 9-1-1."

"I will be recommending this to the council in the near future," Driscoll said.

A complete plan of the CodeRED is not available to date. Patch will continue to follow the plan as it unfolds.

Less trash, more money

The town administrator also reported that the amount of solid waste from recycling at the transfer station has been reduced from 8,766 to 5,163 tons this past year.

"This has saved the town $94,000 in tip fees and generated profits of $15,000," Driscoll said.

The Town Council applauded residents' recycling efforts.

Money for Prudence wall

Driscoll also announced that FEMA has provided $62,000 in reimbursements for the restoration of the retaining wall at Prudence Island.