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Sterling Heights rolls out Code Red mass notification system for texts, calls and geotargeted alerts
Summary
Council heard a presentation on Code Red, a subscription-based mass-notification platform the city will use for targeted texts, phone calls, emails and geofenced emergency alerts; staff outlined a phased public rollout and FEMA IPAWS certification plans.
Sterling Heights city officials on Monday introduced Code Red, a new mass-notification platform the city will use to send targeted texts, phone calls and emails to residents and businesses for routine updates and emergencies.
Marketing and Communications Manager Marissa Russo told the City Council the OnSolve-based platform will allow the city to deliver both planned and geotargeted messages — from event reminders and refuse delays to water-main breaks, snow-emergency notices and large-scale public-safety incidents. "Text marketing and communication is a powerful tool because of the high open response rates, direct and immediate communication, and cost effectiveness," Russo said.
Russo said the system will support two main tiers of messaging: opt-in group lists for routine items (events such as StirlingFest and Dodge Park Thursdays, library news and volunteer opportunities) and geofenced notifications for disruptive or emergency incidents affecting a specific area. "If there's a water main break, we can go right into that street and communicate with those residents," she said.
City staff plan a phased rollout. Russo said Sterling Heights will replace its previous listserv with Code Red and use it alongside traditional channels — press releases, social media, the city website and Sterling Heights TV. The public will be able to sign up online or by texting a short code: "Text SHCONNECTED to 24639," she said, noting residents should log in to manage addresses and topic subscriptions.
Russo also said the city intends to pursue Federal Emergency Management Agency Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) certification so Code Red can be used for authenticated emergency alerts in addition to local notifications.
City Manager Mark Vanderpool framed Code Red as one element of recent technology investments for residents, noting the city already offers a water-usage tracking app and other digital services. No formal action was required; the presentation served as an informational rollout and launch notice to Council and the public.
Looking ahead, staff said they will run a public information campaign — a website splash page, social posts and a mass text to existing contacts — encouraging residents to register and tune their notification preferences.
