LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Instead of calling 911 for an emergency, what if 911 called you?

While it may sound weird, it's based in reality. In Lawrence County, there's a new program to alert citizens to an emergency. Called "Code Red," it's a program that is urging people to sign up so they're not left out.

"When I started three years ago, I thought not having the means to notify the public of anything was what I felt was the biggest problem we have," said Harold Slone, Lawrence County's emergency management director.

Code Red will notify residents through an alert by phone, through texting, or e-mail, about the need to evacuate, shelter in place, or give them instructions to find shelter or food in case of a problem.

"The Code Red System will be able to highlight certain areas of the county, or the county as a whole," Slone said. "This is going to truly be a step, a big step in the direction of being prepared."

Anyone in Lawrence County, Ky., who wishes to register can do it by either logging onto www.lawcokyem.org on the Internet or calling 606-638-0334.