FAQs • Andover, MA • CivicEngage

How does it work?: CodeRED delivers the message through a high-speed telephone calling system to a phone number on the CodeRED database. Town Employees 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 through the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). A prerecorded message will be sent out via the telephone with information about the incident and possibly instructions for action to be taken.

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CodeRED

1. What is CodeRED?: The CodeRED Emergency Notification System is a fast communication service allowing the Town of Andover to notify citizens of an emergency situation. It enables the Town to provide mass notification quickly and easily. This service is free to all Andover residents and businesses located within our Town limits.

2. How will I benefit from this service?: This high-speed telephone system will allow the Town of Andover to contact participants to provide information about a situation, what action needs to be taken if any, and notification that the situation has been resolved.

3. What do I have to do to receive this benefit?: To receive CodeRED, you must register your home, cellular phone or business phone number in the CodeRED database.

CodeRED Registration Page

4. How does it work?: CodeRED delivers the message through a high-speed telephone calling system to a phone number on the CodeRED database. Town Employees 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 through the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). A prerecorded message will be sent out via the telephone with information about the incident and possibly instructions for action to be taken.

5. 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).

6. What should I do if I don’t receive a message?: Your area of the community may not be affected. In this case, you won’t receive a call even if it’s only a block away.

7. Will the system work with cellular phones?: Yes, but your cellular phone number needs to be associated with your Town of Andover street address. We encourage you to register your cellular phone number.

8. 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. This system will be used for emergency and non-emergency purposes. Some of the examples of types of incidents or events when the CodeRED system will be utilized:

- Utility outages
- Water main breaks
- Street closings
- Evacuation notices
- Missing persons
- Natural disasters including floods or fires
- Chemical spills
- Gas leaks
- Crime alerts
- Other information of importance to citizens

9. How do I register?: Individuals interested in registering will be required to add a telephone number into the CodeRED database. Information also required will be first and last name, physical street address (no P.O. boxes), city, state and Zip Code. An alternate phone number such as a cellular phone can also be entered and both the primary and alternate line will be contacted in the event of an emergency. The system works with cellular phones but requires a street address in the Town of Andover.

For those who are hearing impaired, the sign up form offers a TDD only option for tone delivery of emergency messages. Messages delivered to phone numbers marked TDD will only be delivered in a TDD/TTY format.

Residents without internet access may come in and fill out a CodeRED registration form.

Register for CodeRED Online

10. What if I do not want to be on the CodeRED call list?: Individuals that prefer not to receive any CodeRED messages can be added to a "Do Not Call List." To remove your name and contact information from the system, please contact the Records Department at 978-623-3520.

11. What if I have already signed up to receive notifications through Reverse 911?: If you were previously being call through our old Reverse 911 system, you will need to re-register with the new CodeRED system.