Did you know that over 80% of calls made to 9-1-1 come from mobile phones? When you dial 9-1-1 from a mobile phone, the 9-1-1 call takers have very little information to help you – only your phone number and a very general sense of your location.
This is a serious problem in an emergency when seconds count, particularly if you or your loved ones have medical conditions, or are unable to safely speak.
What is Smart911?
Smart911 is a national service that provides 9-1-1 and first responders with information in an emergency. It also receives targeted alerts including from the National Weather Service. The Smart911 App is available for free on the Apple or Google Play Store.
Available in all 50 states and more than 3,500 municipalities across the country, the Smart911 national registry allows individuals and families to share pertinent information that can help first responders provide a more personalized response, such as:
- Emergency contact information
- Medical history, including medications, medical conditions and mental health history
- Property details, layouts and utility information
- Number of people and pets living on the property
How does Smart911 work?
Smart911 allows individuals to provide the additional details that 9-1-1 call takers may need in order to assist them during an emergency. When you dial 9-1-1 today, the information received by the 9-1-1 call center can be limited based on the type of phone you are calling on. With Smart911, anytime you make an emergency call from a phone registered with your Safety Profile, the 9-1-1 systems recognizes your phone number and automatically displays your profile on the screen of the call taker who receives your call. Your information is only available to 9-1-1 call takers and first responders for 45 minutes if you have an emergency.
Smart911 has been a lifesaving resource in critical situations. The tool has been credited with positively impacting emergency outcomes for individuals including:
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A missing elderly resident with dementia, in which the person’s photo and physical description were immediately available to 9-1-1 and responders
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A heart attack victim where an address and medical notes allowed responders to be dispatched to his location quickly
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A child with autism who was having a mental health crisis, whose condition was noted in a Safety Profile allowing first responders to walk into the situation prepared
What is a Safety Profile?
A Safety Profile is a set of information about an individual, or a household that is contained within one account on Smart911.com or on the Smart911 App. Information can include details about all members of the household, all phone numbers (mobile, landline or VOIP) and all addresses including home, work and even vacation homes. Users can also add details about medical conditions, medications, vehicles, pets and even emergency contacts.
What kind of information can I list in my safety profile?
You can include as little or as much information in your profile as you like. Information may include address, medical and security information. This service is voluntary, so you decide what information you want emergency responders to know about you when you call 9-1-1.
Is my information secure?
Yes. Your privacy is important to us. Your information is made available ONLY to 9-1-1 call takers and responders ONLY in the event you call 9-1-1. Your information is stored in geo-redundant databases that restrict access to everyone. Your Safety Profile is non-searchable and your information will only be displayed to 9-1-1 dispatchers for a limited amount of time. In some areas, you can choose to allow Smart911 to share your profile with Emergency Managers as they prepare for and respond to emergencies. If you reside or work in one of these areas, you will be presented with this option.
Will my Safety Profile still work if something happens to the Smart911 databases?
Yes. Your information is stored in geo-redundant databases that are located on opposite sides of the country. In the unlikely event of a database shutdown, the system will automatically transition all of your information to the backup database, resulting in zero impact to your Safety Profile.
Who should create a Safety Profile?
Anyone can create a safety profile. Those that are especially encouraged to sign up are people with medical or disability information. Wireless phone users are also encouraged, as wireless phone calls to 9-1-1 only provide a general location of the caller, not an exact address. Adding your home, school and work addresses (including apartment and room numbers) can help responders locate you more easily.
Can I include my family members?
You are encouraged to create a Safety Profile that includes everyone in your household. You can also create Safety Profile on behalf of elderly parents, those with disabilities, or anyone not comfortable with computers, designating yourself as the emergency contact.
How long does it take to create a Safety Profile?
Setting up a profile can take as little as 5-10 minutes, depending on how much information you wish to provide. You can always go back and update existing, or add additional information to your profile.
How do I sign up for Smart911?
Visit smart911.com or download the Smart911 App you can include any information you want 9-1-1 and response teams to have in the event of an emergency. There is no fee to create or maintain a Safety Profile with Smart911.
How do I know if my Safety Profile was successfully created?
When you complete registration, Smart911 will automatically direct you to your Smart911 Safety Profile and will send a message to your registered email address confirming your account. Smart911 will not deliver your Safety Profile to 9-1-1 answering centers unless you have verified the phone(s) listed in your profile by responding to the text message or automated call placed to that phone.
What if English is not my primary language?
You can create a Safety Profile in multiple languages and specify your primary language on Smart911.com. When your profile displays at the 9-1-1 center, it will be translated back into English. If an interpreter is required, the 9-1-1 Call Taker will be able to see which language you designated as your primary language.
Once I have signed up, do I need to do anything else?
The more up-to-date your information is, the better. Smart911 prompts users to verify their information every six months. However, you should update your profile anytime there is any change to your information.
What is Smart911 Day and when is it?
In honor of 9-1-1 education month, National Telecommunicator Week (April 10-16), and Smart911 Day (April 30), we are encouraging families to sign up for Smart911, a free service that allows individuals and families to sign up online and fill out a profile in order to provide critical information to 9-1-1 dispatchers during an emergency.
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