Though looming storms are unpredictable, there is something Sandy Springs residents can do to be more prepared.
The city offers severe weather alerts through a system called Code Red. Code Red calls residents with a message from the National Weather Service if a severe weather warning is issued in their area.
“It’s specific to someone’s zip code, so it’s pretty precise,” said Sandy Springs’ Assistant City Manager Noah Reiter.
Reiter said the city has used the system for three years and has about 5,000 subscribers.
He said residents continue to sign up for Code Red, especially when there are reports of storms.
“We’ve obviously gotten a flurry of activity over the last couple days, especially in the last 12 to 16 hours with what we’re expecting tonight,” Reiter said.
He said the city encourages residents to sign up because the warning can save lives.
“I think from the city’s perspective we think it’s best for people to have as much advanced warning as possible when severe weather is coming so they can take precautions to safeguard themselves, their family, their pets and their property,” Reiter said. “In some instances, a couple minutes warning can literally mean the difference between life and death.”
The service can be applied to both cell phones and land lines and offers people the option to select what type of warnings they would like to receive. To sign up, click here.