What is CodeRED® and why is it important to me?

CodeRED® is a service that authorized Town officials can use to notify residents and businesses within Christiansburg’s utility service area about emergency situations or critical
community alerts. The system may send messages only to people affected by a particular situation, or, in the case of a widespread emergency, to the town’s entire population.

The speed of the CodeRED® system (up to 60,000 calls per hour) is so great that we are able to send messages to affected households in a very efficient manner.

Does this mean the town will be calling me constantly? For what kinds of situations will CodeRED® be used?

The system will be used only to contact those directly affected by a particular event. CodeRED® will be used for health alerts, water main breaks, missing child or adult alerts, law
enforcement emergencies, hazardous material spills – in short, emergencies where the public will benefit from such a call.

By opting-in for Weather Alert calls, you’ll also receive severe weather warnings issued by the National Weather Service that are projected to impact your specific address.

Why do I need CodeRED® when I have radio and TV to keep me informed? 

CodeRED® is an additional measure of safety. If power goes out, you may not be able to depend upon radio and TV. Because telephone lines are self-powered, the town may be able to get through with an emergency message when you may not be able to get it otherwise.

Many emergencies occur without advance warning. In such cases, you may have no reason to turn on a TV or radio. CodeRED® can help alert you immediately and advise you to take appropriate action.

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

There are two ways you can continue to receive telephone
messages:

1. Make sure you have at least one working corded telephone that does not require power – and be sure to turn the ringer on.

2. The CodeRED® sign-up form gives you the option of filling in both a primary phone number and an alternate phone number. You can fill in the alternate phone number blank with your cell telephone number, or you can make it your primary phone number if you wish. Entering an alternate phone number will cause BOTH your primary and alternate phone numbers to be called.

Do I have to pay extra for CodeRED® service? 

No. CodeRED® is entirely paid for by your tax dollars at a cost of less than one dollar per resident, per year. 

Does the Town have my telephone number, or do I have to sign up to receive CodeRED® emergency calls?

We strongly encourage you to sign up for CodeRED®. After all, you are the most reliable source of information about how to reach your household. There are also specific features such as Weather Alerts that you must opt-in to receive.

*It’s also a good idea to list any cell phones you might have, so that you can receive emergency notification wherever you are.* In addition, signing up lets you decide what notifications you would like to receive.

If you have more than 2 phone numbers, just fill out the form multiple times. Also be sure to sign-up with your new information when you move or change your number.

How do I sign up for CodeRED®?

Go to the Town’s homepage at www.christiansburg.org where you will see a link to a CodeRED® sign-up form you can fill out online. This is the quickest, easiest way to sign up because the information you supply will immediately update the CodeRED® database.

If you do not have internet access, please call (540) 382-6128 ext. 151 to sign-up.

Can I arrange to have CodeRED® call my place of business? 

Yes. Go to www.christiansburg.org and click on the CodeRED® link. When the sign-up form opens, click on the button labeled “Click to Switch to Business Data” and fill out the form. Please note that emergency calls can only be delivered to a direct dial number. Automated attendants will disrupt the process and calls will not be delivered. 

Can I choose NOT to receive CodeRED® messages? 

Yes. The Town of Christiansburg respects your privacy.

If you do not want to receive calls, please notify Becky Wilburn, Director of Public Relations. Just send a statement saying you no longer wish to recieve CodeRED® notifications and include your name, address and all telephone numbers listed under CodeRED®. You may send this information to 100 East Main Street, C/O Public Relations, Christiansburg, VA 24073, or to .

Please keep in mind that by unsubscribing, you will no longer receive emergency notifications from CodeRED® and the Town of Christiansburg. 

I live near Christiansburg, but I am not a resident. Can I sign up for CodeRED®? 

No, unfortunately. Christiansburg pays for CodeRED® service based on the population within its utility service area.

However, we encourage you to check with the municipality in which you live. Many use automated telephone notification systems to alert residents in times of emergency.