By NICK HOLLOWAY
With his house ablaze, Michigan resident Dan Hoffman’s dialed 9-1-1 just before he slipped out of consciousness. Though smoke inhalation rendered him unable to verbally communicate, the 9-1-1 dispatcher on the other end of the line was able to use the information that popped up on her screen to send help immediately. This information was part a family Safety Profile that Dan’s wife had previously created at smart911.com. Today Dan credits Smart911 with saving his life and allowing him to be with his family for the holidays.
Smart911 is a simple, yet effective tool that gives emergency responders access to “critical care information” when a caller is in the midst of a high stress situation or is uncommunicative. Recently, Smart911 was called a “game changer” and “911 on steroids” on Good Morning America for its ability to get critical, lifesaving information to emergency responders at just the right time. Now over 1,000 communities across the nation, including Missoula, offer Smart911 to their residents and visitors.
Nobody wants to call 9-1-1, but now you can plan ahead. With Smart911, you are able to create a personalized Safety Profile containing valuable household information about yourself, your family members, your pets and your home. Your profile will automatically pop up on the 9-1-1 call takers screen when you call 9-1-1 from a registered phone.
Pertinent facts, such as allergies, utility shutoff valves or the location of a child’s bedroom, are then quickly relayed to emergency responders in the field. In addition, you can also sign up for emergency notifications via your choice of text, phone and/or email messages. Emergency notifications contain critical information that is timely and actionable.
Emergency responders throughout Missoula recommend Smart911. Make preparedness a 2015 resolution for your family by going to www.smart911.com and clicking on Sign Up Today. It’s free, private and secure.
Watch the video below for easy instructions on how to sign-up.
**********
All disasters begin and end locally, often within the home. Prevention and preparation can go a long way to reduce negative human impacts. The Missoula County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) encourages Missoulians to 1. Be Informed. 2. Make a Plan and 3. Build a kit.
Nick Holloway is Programs Coordinator at the Missoula County Office of Emergency Management (OEM). OEM includes the Missoula 9-1-1 Center and Disaster and Emergency Services, which assists and coordinates emergency response components of Missoula County and the City of Missoula. Nick is passionate improving disaster preparedness and resilience in Missoula. Follow OEM on Facebook and Twitter.