Smart911 is a significant jump forward when it comes to consumer awareness of emergencies and how to seek help. Municipalities are able to use the system to provide expanded information to citizens as well as responding agencies, increasing response capability and informing people better how to avoid or reduce their risk in an event.

Because operators are able see far more information about the caller with a Smart911 system, the 9-1-1 response can be far more targeted, accurate to the address it is located at, and responsive to special needs as well. It’s really up to the consumer how much information he or she can allow to be used. This kind of data can help responders do their job better, including: 

• How many people are in a given address or household
• The phone numbers most likely used by a home
• Any animals or pets on the premises
• Medical needs or restrictions the caller might have
• Specific property issues, details, utilities and property risks
• Vehicles that should be at the property
  
  

Already, major cities like Chicago, Atlanta and Washington D.C. use Smart911 extensively. It has made the difference in the lives of those served, reducing fatalities and preventing far more serious injuries due to reducing response time with better reactions.

The noticing possible with Smart911 can be varied and extensive; it simply depends on how a local agency wants to use it. Typical noticing possible includes:

• Heavy and severe weather conditions and what to watch out for
• Traffic conditions and congestion problems
• Standard emergency noticing for missing children or adults, police actions, fires, gas leaks and more
• Major reaction incidents that communities need to respond to as a group
  
  

Folks who have additional needs or are functionally limited can benefit greatly from a Smart911 system. By registering and providing their specific medical information ahead of time, folks can be assured that responder agencies in the community will know where they are, what’s needed, and how to help. Community emergency managers will know during the incident these folks need additional assistance and focus on getting it to them. Awareness is a key factor, and Smart911 is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that awareness occurs in a disaster.

Of course, participants can provide as much or as little information as desired. At a minimum, however, every household and family should register with a basic record. This can go a long way in helping emergency managers coordinate response resources and gauge where help is needed the most during a disaster.

Clearly, the Smart911 system is a key step forward in community safety and risk awareness. For Conroe, TX, the Montgomery County Emergency Communication District (MCECD) provides the administration of the communications and technology infrastructure of the 9-1-1 system for the region. So get registered where possible and share with MCECD your critical information. It could mean the difference in saving you rapidly when help is needed the most.