Bonnie Cranmer
Contributing writer
On Sunday, May 26, an accident involving three vehicles resulted in Route 311 being closed for several hours. Sherrie Joann Robertson, 55 of New Castle, was pronounced dead at the scene after hitting a Buick stopped making a legal left turn. The others involved in the accident were taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
Supervisor Jordan Labiosa was quick to share the CodeRED update to several of the Craig County Facebook pages, alerting citizens of the emergency. “During this difficult time, we are reminded of the importance of community support and compassion. Let us all come together to provide comfort and strength to those affected,” said Labiosa.
The CodeRED system alerts registered users to emergencies by phone, landlines or cell, text, emails and social media. The messages can be targeted in a geographic area, or include an entire region. The system is used for real-time updates and instructions to the public for their safety. In this particular instance, the road was blocked in both directions and CodeRED alerted people to the situation.
With the upcoming hurricane season, weather events come up fast and sometimes with only minutes to be prepared. At the same time the recent accident was being attended, the wind and rain collided, resulting in further challenges for responders and the public. CodeRED updates are used for weather related issues and can mean the difference between life and death. Preparing for high winds, flooding and even electrical outages can be critical.
“The Craig County Sheriff’s Office demonstrated exceptional foresight in implementing the CodeRED emergency alert system back in 2020. This system has proven to be an invaluable tool for our community, significantly enhancing our ability to communicate critical information swiftly and efficiently in times of emergency. Whether it’s road closures, severe storms, or other urgent situations, CodeRED keeps our residents informed and prepared. I commend our Sheriff’s Office for their commitment to public safety and strongly encourage every resident to sign up for these vital alerts via email, text, or phone by visiting the Craig County website,” Labiosa stated.
Craig County has the link to register to receive CodeRED notices on their website at https://craigcountyva.gov/
