McLEOD COUNTY, MN – The McLeod County Emergency Notification System, CodeRED, will be tested on March 25, 2020 at 10:00am to validate telephone numbers in the McLeod County’s database. Here’s what you need to know:

• There is no need to take action if you receive the call. Emergency personnel are merely testing the system to ensure it is operational as needed, and to encourage additional residents to enroll to receive future notifications.
• This process helps us continually improve the system. Testing increases the efficiency of the system and speed at which notifications will be delivered during an actual emergency.
• Visit our website to update contact information. If your phone number is not in the database, you will not receive a call when we do launch an important notification.

“Residents and businesses are encouraged to visit our website and update their contact information, in particular those individuals who have unlisted phone numbers, who have changed their phone number or address within the past year and those who use a cellular phone or VoIP phone as their primary number,” according to Kevin Mathews, McLeod County Emergency Management Director. “The more residents who actively add or update their contact information in the emergency database, the better able we are to protect people and property.”

The CodeRED system allows McLeod County officials to effectively reach residents and personnel by using the system’s capabilities to send telephone calls, text messages and emails to inform residents and better protect life and property.

Mathews urges citizens to visit the McLeod County website at www.co.mcleod.mn.us and click on CodeRED under the Quick Links section or text mcleodalert to 99411. Questions regarding signing up should be directed to Craig Rossow, McLeod County Emergency Management Deputy Director at (320) 864-1725.