Sewickley officials hope to launch the borough’s first mass communication alert system.

Emergency management coordinator Michael Mullins said they are in the process of partnering with OnSolve to use CodeRED, a cloud-based software system that sends out messages to subscribers.

Estimated cost is $3,600 a year.

Sewickley’s system is expected to launch Nov. 1.

“The CodeRED alert system will allow the borough to communicate things such as road closures, borough announcements, and weather alerts,” Mullins said. “Messages will be sent by phone, text, emails, and provide links to the borough website and Facebook page.

“Details on how residents can enroll will be coming soon. When functional, they will be able to use a QR code, sign on to the borough web page, text to enroll, or fill out a form and send to the borough office.”

Residents will be able to customize how they receive the alerts. Registration is free.

Police Chief Dave Mazza credited Mayor George Shannon for coming up with the idea to use an alert system more than a year ago.

Mullins joined the borough in April 2022 and began doing research into different companies that provided the service.

He and Mazza reviewed at least four providers and decided OnSolve met Sewickley’s needs the best.

“I look at this system as a first responder,” Mazza said of the service. “It’s not necessary till you need it, and you never know when that’s going to be.

“For us (in the police department), the biggest help is going to be in an emergency situation. … It’s going to save a lot of time.

“It’s not always going to be used in doom-and-gloom situations. Anytime there is a road closure and people know ahead of time, it’s appreciated.”

Mazza said the borough could also put out alerts for missing people and other incidents to get “many more eyes in the street.”

Sewickley Council supports the project.

“I think it will definitely be a good thing for the community,” Councilman Todd Hamer said. “Keep everyone safe and informed about what’s happening.”

Mazza, a Reserve Township resident, said he is registered with his town’s alert system.

“From a resident’s standpoint, it was always nice to know when a road was closes, or where would be work in the area or a water main break,” he said. “It’s only successful if people subscribe to it.”

According to OnSolve’s website, CodeRED is used by more than 50 federal agencies, 250 utilities and 10,000 counties, cities, towns and villages.

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