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1. What is CodeRED and why is it important to me?

CodeRED is an emergency notification service that allows town officials to notify residents and businesses by telephone, cell phone, text message, email and social media of time-sensitive general and emergency notifications. Only authorized officials have access to the CodeRED system.

2. I signed up before for CodeRED with Portsmouth Water & Fire District. Do I need to re-enter my information?

No. If you signed up for Code Red with the Portsmouth Water & Fire District you are already in the system. You don’t need to do anything more. If you wish to add additional phone numbers or edit your information, you may log in to the account you created when you signed up with Portsmouth Water & Fire District. Your e-mail address is your User Name for your CodeRED account. If you have forgotten your password, CodeRED can e-mail you password reset instructions. If you are using a different e-mail address than the one you used to create the original CodeRED account, you should create a new account using the new e-mail address.

3. Does the CodeRED system already have my telephone number, or do I need to sign up to receive CodeRED notifications?

The CodeRED database contains information received from public databases, including regional phone books. However, no resident should assume that their information is in the system. See the "I need to Sign Up for CodeRED. How do I?" FAQ for a link to the CodeRED Community Notification Enrollment page where you can register online. If you can not register online, you can call [1-866-939-0911] and speak with one of our communications specialists to complete your registration over the telephone.

4. I need to sign up for CodeRED. How do I?

Sign up for CodeRED by clicking here and following the directions on their web site.

5. Is my personal information protected?

CodeRED is a service of Emergency Communications Network which takes security and privacy concerns very seriously. They will not sell, trade, lease or loan any citizen supplied data to third parties.

6. When will CodeRED be used?

Any message regarding the safety, property or welfare of the community will be disseminated using the CodeRED system. These may include evacuation notices, boil water advisories or missing child alerts.

7. How will I recognize a CodeRED message?

A CodeRED Emergency message will have a caller ID of 866-419-5000.  A CodeRED General message will have a caller ID 855-969-4636. We suggest you program both numbers in your cell phone as a “new contact” and use “CodeRED Emergency” and “CodeRED General” as the contact name. If you need to replay the emergency notification message again, simply dial the number and you will be able to hear the message again.

8. What should I do if I receive a CodeRED message?

Listen carefully to the entire message. You will have the option to repeat the message by pressing any key. Do not call 911 for further information unless directed to do so or if you need immediate aid from the Police or Fire department.

9. Will the CodeRED system leave a message on an answering machine?

Yes, the CodeRED system will leave a message on a machine or on voicemail. The CodeRED system will leave the entire message in one pass.

10. I have a cordless phone, and it does not work when the power goes out. How will the system be able to contact me?

Make sure you have at least one working corded telephone – and be sure to turn the ringer on. The CodeRED sign-up form allows you to indicate both a primary and alternate phone number. Cell phone and/or work phone numbers can be entered as alternate phone numbers. Both primary and alternate phone numbers will be contacted when a notification is sent.

11. What happens if my phone line is busy when a notification is sent by CodeRED?

If the line is busy, CodeRED will try two more times to connect.