GIWA CodeRED implemented, register now

Gasparilla Island Water Association, Inc. (GIWA) contracted with Emergency Communications Network to license its CodeRED high-speed notification solution.

The CodeRED system provides GIWA the ability to quickly deliver emergency messages such as Precautionary Boil Water Notices to targeted areas or the entire Island.

One of the reasons the CodeRED system was selected is it gives individuals and businesses an easy and secure method to add their own phone numbers directly into the system's database. GIWA is urging all individuals and businesses to log onto WWW.MYGIWA.COM, and follow the link to the "CodeRED Community Notification Enrollment" page.

The data collected will only be used for emergency notification purposes. Bonnie Pringle, GIWA’s Utility Director stated that the system is a great tool for GIWA to quickly notify its members of an emergency, but the system is only as good as the telephone number database; therefore, all members including businesses are urged to register.

Those without internet access may call GIWA at 964-2423, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., to supply their information over the phone. Required information includes first and last name, street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes), city, state, zip code, and primary phone number. Additional phone numbers and e-mails can be entered as well.

Pringle stated that GIWA plans to conduct staff training which will include test calls to members that are signed up for the service on Wednesday, April 1.