Registration for inclusion in the new CodeRED — early telephone weather warning system — is not as good as county officials hoped.

Although 125 registered the first day, only 800 were added to the system during the first week. “I thought this number was low considering the 41,000 population,” said Matt Denton, assistant county manager.

However, company records indicate this is an average number for the new system. “Some of the counties in southern Georgia had CodeRED up and running for about six months and only had about one-third of the residents registered,” they noted.

Registration in Rockmart and Aragon are about the same as Polk, according to Denton.

Lori Dunn, city clerk, Aragon, reported that she gives out a registration form to people that come to pay their garbage (other).

“When we get several, we send the total to Elaine Anderson, EMA director,” she said.

Manager Jeff Ellis, Rockmart, said registration forms for CodeREd are also forwarded. “Most of the people that have filled out forms are those who do not have Internet access,” he said.

County officials believe the real test will be when tornado season — March, April and May — gets underway.

“People begin thinking about severe weather when they hear predictions of tornadoes,” Denton said. “I think residents are slow to respond to something new unless it directly affects them.”

He emphasized there is no deadline to register but encouraged individuals to fill out the form so they can be added into the system. “Eventually, the warning system now in use will be taken down,” he added.

Roy Anderson, chief, Polk County Fire Department, said one new siren typically costs about $20,000. “They are also expensive to maintain,” he added.

Kattie Trammell, EMA, said she has received positive comments about CodeRED. “They are happy that it is being made available free to all Polk citizens,” she explained.

Only residents who are signed up to receive the warnings will be notified. It is ultimately the resident’s responsibility to register for this service.

“Do not call 911 to register,” said Denton.

Citizens are encouraged to register via links on the Polk County web site (www.polkcountygeoriga.us) and the Cedartown web site (www.cedartowngeorgia.gov).

Computers with Internet access are available at the Cedartown and Rockmart libraries. Registration forms for residents that cannot register on-line will be available at the following locations:

Polk County Emergency Management Office, 55 Cline Ingram Jackson Road, Cedartown; Polk County Administration Offices, 144 West Avenue —Cedartown; City of Cedartown Administration Offices, 201 East Avenue — Cedartown.

Residents needing assistance with the registration process can contact:

The Polk County Emergency Management Office at 770-748-3439; Polk County Administration at 770-749-2100; City of Cedartown at 770-748-3220.

Residents can register one primary number and one alternate number per person.