Ada County Sheriff’s Office has launched a new emergency notification system called Ada Alert, replacing the CodeRed platform that experienced a data breach earlier this year. The switch comes as large wildfires burn across the Treasure Valley region, underscoring the need for reliable, rapid communication with county residents during crises.
Ada Alert will distribute information on wildfires, missing vulnerable adults, severe weather, and other emergencies through text message, email, or phone call. The system allows residents to customize their preferences by geographic location, ensuring they receive alerts relevant to their specific area rather than countywide notices for distant incidents.
Transition Period and Registration
CodeRed will remain operational through the end of July to allow residents time to migrate to the new platform. Ada County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to register with Ada Alert now rather than waiting until an emergency strikes. Residents can sign up at adaalert.genasys.com/portal, and additional details are available at alert.adacounty.id.gov.
Sheriff Matt Clifford emphasized the importance of advance preparation. “Wildfires and emergencies don’t wait, and neither should the information that keeps our community safe,” he said. The office added: “We’re urging residents to sign up for Ada Alert now, before the next emergency, not during one.”
Timing Driven by Active Fire Threat
The rollout occurs as the Claremont Fire burns across 4,400 acres in the Boise Foothills, destroying trail systems and forcing closures across popular outdoor recreation areas. The active fire season has highlighted vulnerabilities in the county’s previous alert infrastructure and the critical need for residents to receive timely information about evacuations, air quality, and other safety threats.
The CodeRed breach created urgency around finding an alternative system. Ada County Sheriff launched the Ada Alert system after CodeRed data breach concerns prompted officials to seek a more secure and responsive platform. Ada Alert’s location-based notification capability addresses a persistent complaint from residents who received area-wide alerts for emergencies occurring miles away.
What Comes Next
Residents with questions about registration or Ada Alert features can visit the FAQ at alert.adacounty.id.gov or contact Ada County Sheriff’s Office directly. The county expects to complete the transition from CodeRed by August 1, 2026. Anyone with multiple phone numbers, email addresses, or family members in different locations should register each account separately to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Given ongoing fire activity and the peak of wildfire season, Ada County recommends all residents complete registration within the next two weeks to guarantee they receive notifications for future emergencies affecting their homes and families.