Emergency managers from King County and the cities of Auburn, Kent, Renton and Tukwila report a relatively smooth test of the CodeRED and MyStateUSA emergency notification systems on Tuesday.

The test generated more than 207,300 calls within a 4½-hour period with few technical glitches. Public response has been positive.

“The purpose of this computer-automated test was to measure our ability to quickly contact residents and businesses within a large geographical area and stress communication systems to identify any weak points,” said Robin Friedman, King County Office of Emergency Management director.

The two notification systems are similar, using either publicly listed phone numbers (e.g. phonebook) or the E911 database for automated calling. In addition, CodeRED has the capacity for self-registration of cell phones, private lines, text devices and e-mail addresses. The MyStateUSA system might be expanded to include this self-registration option.

Public emergency notifications might be used for major emergencies or disasters where timely and accurate public information is critical to maintaining the safety of citizens.

Auburn residents and business can register for CodeRED or MyStateUSA emergency notifications through their local Office of Emergency Management: www.auburnwa.gov (click on “Auburn Alert”).

Other public alert systems for which everyone in King County can register include:

• Regional Public Information Network www.rpin.org – for news alerts and warnings in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties

• Flood Alert www.kingcounty.gov/flood – for river levels and other important information during a flood

• King County Road Alerts http://gismaps.kingcounty.gov/roadalert/ – for road closures and conditions

• National Weather Service – NOAA Weather System Radio www.weather.gov/nwr/ – for official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information