In preparation for the upcoming monsoon, the National Weather Service, Sedona Fire District, Coconino County Emergency Management and Coconino County CERT will test the emergency siren system in Oak Creek Canyon at approximately 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 24.

This system is designed to notify Oak Creek Canyon and Uptown residents of severe emergencies that require evacuation. This test serves two purposes: Officials are assured that the system is working well and will be available when needed; and residents, businesses and visitors become aware of what to expect in an actual emergency.

If an evacuation is necessary and the siren system is implemented, residents are to remain calm and tune their radio to KAFF 930 AM or 92.9 FM for specific directions.

The city of Sedona, Coconino and Yavapai counties have emergency notification systems. The system for both Coconino and Yavapai counties is called CodeRED.

CodeRED is an emergency notification system that serves each county, including the cities located within their respective counties.

Coconino and Yavapai county officials can remotely send recorded emergency information to a large majority of residents. Public safety officials may use this system to notify you in the event of wildland fires, neighborhood evacuations, closures of major highways due to traffic collisions, natural disasters, law enforcement emergencies and any other occurrence that may affect the safety of our community.

CodeRED provides another tool to help residents and business owners stay informed during emergencies. It is important to register all of your phone numbers directly to allow you to be contacted in an emergency.

All area residents may register their phone numbers by accessing CodeRED for Coconino County at www.coconino.az.gov/emergency.

For Yavapai County you may access CodeRED at www.regionalinfo-alert.org. Go to "Emergency Notification System” on the right side of the page.

For the City of Sedona you may access their system at www.sedonaAZ.gov. Go to “Sign Up for Emergency Alerts” on the center of the page.

Preparedness for any type of emergency or disaster starts with you. Follow these four basic steps to be prepared.

• Have a Plan. Develop a family emergency evacuation plan together. Plan escape routes.
• Have an Emergency Kit for evacuations and a Stay Kit for sheltering in place.
• Stay Informed through Emergency Notification Alerts.
• Volunteer in your community and be part of the response team.

For additional information go to www.ready.gov.

For additional information feel free to call (928) 282-6800 or go to www.sedonafire.org.