In Luzerne and Columbia County, emergency alerts are sent through multiple systems. IPAWS Wireless Emergency Alerts, CodeRED Alerts and Emergency Alert System messages over TV and radio are used to let you know a serious emergency is happening. Following a transition period, sirens will no longer be utilized. For more information see the Emergency Notification Fact Sheet.

• IPAWS Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) received on cell phones and other wireless devices.  IPAWS is FEMA’s national system for local alerting that provides emergency information to the public. WEA are text-like alerts that loudly alert your phone automatically if you are in the affected area. You should not turn off the setting on your mobile device to receive local emergency alerts. WEA messages are not charged to your wireless data plan and there is no need to sign up.
• CodeRED is a system that automatically calls your publicly listed landline telephone number when an emergency occurs. CodeRED can also notify you via email, text message, and/or a call to your cell phone. You are encouraged to SIGN UP to receive these CodeRED notifications so you can be reached in an emergency regardless of where you are at the time. You can also choose to be alerted about emergencies at other locations such as a child’s school, your work, or a relative’s home. It’s free to sign up for these additional CodeRED alerts. See the instructions below to sign up.

If you receive an WEA or CodeRED Alert, tune to any TV or radio station listed on the What to Do in an Emergency page to receive detailed information via the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

Susquehanna Emergency Notification Fact Sheet and FAQs (PDF)

Luzerne and Columbia County use the CodeRED notification system to send emergency messages (phone calls, texts, emails, etc.) to residents for all types of emergencies. Even if you have a publicly listed landline telephone, it is very important to sign up in the CodeRED system before an emergency to ensure you do not miss important information. When you sign up, you can choose how you want to receive emergency messages and for what locations (home, work, school, etc.).

Columbia County: 

Text “CCEMA19” to 99411, call 570-389-5720, or visit http://ema.columbiapa.org/codered/

Luzerne County:

Text “LuzerneAlerts” to 99411, call 570-820-4400, or visit https://www.luzernecounty.org/191/Emergency-Management