R.M. of Dufferin Council is considering implementing the CodeRED mobile alert system. The app would allow residents to subscribe to localized warnings and advisories issued by area safety officials, and receive the notifications on their home phones or cell phones including text message and email.

Reeve George Gray says, for example, this system would be used when there's been a water line break resulting in a boil water advisory. "At the moment we have to go out to the actual site and tell the people (in person) or hand them a letter so it's kind of cumbersome/time-consuming. As long as we had the peoples' phone number, texting, email...this CodeRED would access the information."

Gray adds the alert system could also be used in flood scenarios, natural disasters, or any situation on local highways were public safety is compromised.

"It would just mean it would take the load off of our people and it would just be an outside source doing it."

He notes it is also a cost-effective option, explaining the price would run about $1 per resident per year for a total of just over $2,400. "We feel it's something we should look at."

Council will continue to discuss and research the option before making a decision.