Carson City rolls out new emergency alert system

The logo for Alert Carson, a new emergency notification system for residents.

Carson City officials sent out a news release Oct. 2 announcing a change in how residents will be notified of emergencies and other events in the community.

The new system is called Alert Carson, or !CARSON.

“Carson City is in the process of migrating the Emergency Alert system from CodeRed to !CARSON (Alert Carson), which is powered by our partner, RAVE,” the release aid. “During this transition, residents will receive future emails and may have already received an email confirmation from carson@email.getrave.com.

“Please click the link to be accepted into the !CARSON mass notification system. Carson City will use this system to help residents stay aware of incidents and events in Carson City. Residents who do not wish to receive alerts may opt out by calling the city number 775-887-2000, pressing option one when prompted, and leaving a message. Upon removal from the system, residents will be notified by the city. Residents may also fill out an opt-out form at carson.org/alerts.”

The same webpage can be used to opt in: carson.org/alerts.

The Appeal contacted Carson City Deputy Emergency Manager Jon Bakkedahl, who answered questions about the change in alerting those who live, visit or work in the city.

Appeal: What do people currently have for emergency alerts via CodeRed and why the switch?

Bakkedahl: The CodeRed contract expires on Oct. 11, 2024. It was primarily used by Public Works for water notifications. The CodeRed system was limited in language translation. The !CARSON system allows more languages, and non-local registrations for visitors and out-of-state owners.

Appeal: What happens if a resident doesn’t do anything? Are they automatically enrolled? Does this include texts and emails?

Bakkedahl: If they don't do anything, they won't receive critical information during events and incidents that may impact them. Residents need to opt in. We have entered their basic information from Carson Utility Services, but they need to build a profile for expanded information. By building out their own opt-in data, they can include a lot of information for responders as well. This is done through the reverse 911 opt-in at carson.org/alerts. Based on the data put into the system, the notices are by landline, cell phone, and email notifications.

Appeal: Why is it important residents use this new system?

Bakkedahl: !CARSON will allow residents and visitors to stay aware of road closures, environmental impacts (fire or wind), and important local jurisdictional information. The number one complaint from residents during incidents is the lack of information. This is another tool for the community to gain awareness and have access to vital information.

Appeal: Could you go into a little more detail about what the alerts will cover? I see fires, public safety guidance, weather alerts (Red Flag Days), Public Works notifications, road closures, special events and more. What kind of events will people likely see? Will you be coordinating with the school district for school-related emergencies?

Bakkedahl: The !CARSON messages are non-emergency notifications to notify the public of NV Day Road closures, major road construction with detours and closures, Red Flag Warnings and area closures. Eventually, !CARSON will have the ability to use the federal and state network, IPAWS, which is the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System, to issue emergency alerts like evacuations, flood warnings, and hazardous materials. Those are declared emergency or disaster notifications that allow for broader reach through TV, radio, and cell phones. The school district has its system for parental notifications, but we can coordinate with them should additional information need to be disseminated with !CARSON.

Appeal: Can people control their notifications like on an app?

Bakkedahl: The public will have access to customize what devices to receive notifications from. However, they cannot filter the type of messages they receive. Some messages will be geo-location-based. The plan is to use !CARSON judiciously to respect the digital overdose of messages so that when it is used, the public knows they have pertinent information.