While I was First Selectman, Town policy was to reserve the CodeRED system strictly for true emergencies. The most significant crisis during my term was the August 18, 2024 flood, which severely impacted homes, businesses, roads, bridges, and park infrastructure. That was a genuine emergency requiring mass notifications over a period of days.
For snowstorms or other weather events that did not wreak significant damage, I used the Town’s News & Announcements system to notify subscribers and supplemented those updates through social media.
It’s important that Town communication channels are used appropriately. CodeRED was intentionally reserved for the most serious events so residents would not become desensitized and begin to tune out critical alerts.
Jason, you're the best. It was the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside you. Thank you so much for kind words and for everything you've done for our country!
Bruce's communication during the storm? Sorry, but that was a failure and an area that warrants serious introspection from our FS. Did anyone get a Code Red call like Dan used to do? Nothing early on, then flurries or repetitive emails after the fact with old information. I don't know if it was an issue using the technology or what, but our neighbors in Monroe and Bethel did a far better job updating their constituents.
Lets not start a campaign by gaslighting the residents, the voters in Newtown are smarter than that.
