Suffield Township developing emergency notification system

Suffield Township trustees have launched a campaign to make sure each resident's phone number is in the township's new emergency notification system.

Trustees have contracted with Florida-based Emergency Communications Network for its ''CodeRED'' system, which can use phone numbers and e-mail addresses to alert residents of weather events and other imminent issues.

Cell phones, unlisted numbers and people with digital phone lines are among those who might be missing from the database.

Residents can register their land lines and cell phones, and make sure proper street addresses are attached to each. That gives authorities the ability to target a specific neighborhood in the cases of limited emergencies, like an evacuation caused by a hazardous spill or a water boil alert due to a broken line.

The case of weather warnings

In the case of weather warnings, phone calls will not be made for general countywide alerts, Rasnick said. But if the National Weather Service is tracking a tornado or flash flood that is headed for the township, the system would kick in.

Those without Internet access may call town hall at 330-628-7420 or the Suffield Fire House at 330-628-9240 to supply information.

All businesses should register, as well as all 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.