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CodeRED kicked to the curb

Local emergency group seeks new warning app
CodeRED
Local emergency group wants to replace alert warning app CodeRED with something better.

CodeRED is getting its walking papers from the Westman Emergency Group (WEG) after failing to perform as well as expected.

CodeRED is a mobile alert service that sends messages by phone, email, or text about urgent situations like impending weather events or road closures.

Two years ago, the three municipalities that belong to WEG agreed to pay the CodeRED service fee of about $4,000 a year to subscribe on behalf of their citizens. All users had to do is download the free app.

But now, the municipalities - Virden and the RMs of Sifton and Wallace-Woodworth - want out.

Virden Mayor Jeff McConnell said, “CodeRED’s support is not as strong as we’d hoped so we’re investigating other providers.” Town Councillor Brock Koop said the service wasn’t “as user friendly as we would like”.

Complaints abound

Meanwhile, user complaints about CodeRED are piling up on its product page on the Google app store, including these recent reviews:

Barb Johnson, July 5, 2018: We are currently in a severe fire storm with over 90,000 acres ablaze. Am not able to receive any alerts, evacuations, nothing. In a time when this information is crucial to life & limb, it would have been a great resource. Good try guys.

Christopher Kintz, July 24, 2018: Unfortunately, it won't let you stay signed in, and automatically signs you out after a couple of hours, rendering it useless. The decision to have the app sign you out automatically is befuddling.

Koop says CodeRED is still in use in the WEG catchment area until they can find a replacement.

 

 

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