Our bodies are equipped with an incredible fight or flight response. When faced with true emergencies, we are designed to either fight an attacker or flee to safety. As biological responses go, it is an important one in keeping us safe. But, when emergencies happen, our fight or flight response often prevents us from giving 911 dispatchers the information they need in order to help. That is why Montgomery County has introduced Smart911, a service that allows county 911 dispatchers to access a personal profile attached to your phone number that gives them vital information that could save your life or the lives of your loved ones. But when would you need such a service?

It is no secret that the world we live in is a little upside down right now. What used to seem normal—taking our kids to school, meeting friends for coffee, and even going to the office—has completely changed as we all adapt to social distancing, washing our hands more frequently, and staying healthy during this global pandemic.

However, some things do remain the same including the steadfast commitment of first responders in Montgomery County. Their job is to assist residents and families during this critical time, and they are always ready to help when needed.

Under normal circumstances a 9-1-1 phone call is reserved for an emergency that needs a response by the police department, fire department or medical assistance right away. Everyone from children to adults are taught and reminded that 9-1-1 calls by phone are reserved for serious, immediate needs. However, the tool is fundamentally influenced by how a caller perceives a situation occurring, and that subjectivity can sometimes lead to calls that don’t really meet the definition of a bona fide emergency. That then causes unnecessary load on emergency dispatchers and responders who have to filter these non-emergency calls out.

We’re all taught about 9-1-1 at a young age. When you call 9-1-1 the main things to keep in mind are:

After a tumultuous year earlier that marked an officer-involved shooting that turned into a major unrest event in Ferguson, MO, 2015 became the first year of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. With a push led by Concerns of Police Survivors, or C.O.P.S., multiple non-profit organizations and police support groups banded together to make a point of show gratitude for the service and sacrifice made every day by law enforcement officers in the U.S. More importantly, however, the day is intended for regular citizens to be involved, to meet their law enforcement officers in their community, and have an opportunity to show gratitude for the officers’ civic service.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, winter home fires, while accounting for only eight percent of all U.S. fires, account for nearly 30 percent (approximately 890 in total) of all fire deaths in a year. The better we understand the causes of winter fires in Texas, the more prepared we are to prevent them and the many deaths each year that occur as a result.

When life turns on a dime and you find yourself in desperate need of emergency assistance, your first instinct is likely to pick up the closest phone and dial 9-1-1. While this is second nature to us today, there wasn’t always an emergency system such as 9-1-1 in place. In fact, prior to 1973 (origins as early as 1957), there wasn’t a nationwide number giving citizens access to emergency services. Today, the number 9-1-1 is known as the “Universal Emergency Number” and is available to virtually all U.S. citizens. More on the history of 9-1-1 below:

Every year, influenza season causes millions of people to fall ill across the United States. In most cases, this virus will pass without any serious complications. However, for some patients, medical treatment may be required. If you are suffering from influenza symptoms, or if you are caring for someone who has the flu, the information below will help you decide whether emergency medical treatment is necessary.

The movie “Home Alone” did extremely well as a comedy and continues to bring in licensing revenue as a DVD and download rental. Fortunately, leaving your kids at home on their own is not near as chaotic or adventurous. And it can be good for them to feel a bit responsible on their own for a short time. That said, there are some things one should watch out for or prepare if the kids will be home alone.

Summer is in full swing and MC 911 wrapped up our 5th Annual Jr. First Responder Summer Camp this month! The turnout was great, but the experience these kids had and the lessons they learned were even better!

This free program happens annually, and it's for rising 8th and 9th graders who may have an interest in pursuing a career in public safety. Campers attend sessions and hands on opportunities in law enforcement, 9-1-1 telecommunications, fire safety, homeland security and emergency management, CPR and first aid. They end the week, using the skills they’ve learned in simulated emergency situations.