Snohomish County Fire District No. 5, in Sultan, is embarking on a local initiative to promote the use of Smart911, an innovative online tool meant to enhance public safety.
Smart911, which is free to use, allows users to set up an online safety profile featuring data that could be useful for first responders in the case of an emergency. The system was implemented as a method for circumventing the data gap resulting from cell-phone generated 911 calls. Last October, SNOPAC 911 Operations Coordinator Crystal Ayco reported that nearly 75 percent of 911 calls are generated from a cell phone rather than a landline.
When generated from a cell phone, 911 calls lack geographical specificity, which is why District No. 5 Firefighter Chris Shroy is advocating for the service. Smart911 is available throughout east Snohomish County.
Getting an accurate address
When someone calls 911 from a cell phone, Shroy explained, GPS services aren't always able to ascertain exactly where that person is. If the phone's signal is strong and the area is relatively clear of overhead obstructions, first responders are able to get a fairly decent idea of the location. If conditions are not optimal, the location information might reflect a broad circle that stretches from one or two blocks all the way up to a half-mile.
The safety profiles can be set up using a minimalistic approach with just an address. They can also be comprehensive, and include photos, significant medical history, drug allergies, instructions for locating difficult-to-find addresses, residential gate codes, home and work addresses and emergency contact information.
"One of the great things about it is people control the information that they put up there,GÇ¥ Shroy said. "There is an opportunity to be extremely detailed and provide us with a lot of information, but if you're not comfortable sharing all that information, just simply having an address to tie to a cell phone can make a huge difference.GÇ¥
The information is stored on a secure server managed by a company called Rave Mobile Safety, whose Smart911 software interacts directly with the 911 call center's system. The data is only made available when the system is triggered by an emergency 911 phone call, and is only available for a limited amount of time.
"We have access to that information for 45 minutes and then we no longer have access to that information,GÇ¥ Shroy said. "The dispatchers and the first responders can't go in and look up anybody's information in any way, other than that person calling 911.GÇ¥
Once a user has established a profile in the Smart911 database, any time that user calls 911 from the phone number linked to that profile, the SNOPAC 911 system will recognize the phone number and display the profile information to the operator taking the call. The operator can then push the data out to the first responders handling that call.
Customization options
A safety profile set up under a cell phone could include the addresses typically frequented by the owner of that phone, such as home and work. A parent could set up a profile for their child's cell phone, which could include the addresses of both home and school. Photos can be attached to profiles, giving first responders immediate access to what someone looks like, which can be critical when a child or a person with dementia has gone missing.
"You can put in the color and make of your car, so that if you do call from the road somewhere the responders will know what vehicle they're looking for,GÇ¥ Shroy said.
In order to ensure that the data stays current, Smart911 information must be updated online every six months. Users will receive a reminder email, at which point the user must log onto the system to confirm that their profile is still up-to-date.
"They really want to make sure their information is current and fresh,GÇ¥ Shroy said. "For us, sometimes the wrong information is worse than no information.GÇ¥
The Smart911 interface is user-friendly and simple to navigate, Shroy said, and having an active profile can help individuals in a variety of ways. In addition to providing accurate location information and medical history, it can facilitate text messaging, giving operators the ability to communicate with a caller via text.
"If you're in a position where you can't talk, this gives you the ability to communicate with the 911 operators,GÇ¥ Shroy said.
VOA assistance-á
District No. 5 is hoping to get as many Sky Valley residents signed up for the service as possible. To assist with reaching the senior citizen population, it is partnering with the Volunteers of America (VOA, 2802 Broadway Ave., Everett), who have committed to helping local seniors get signed up with the service. People who wish to register their cell phone numbers with the Smart911 service will be able to do so at the VOA.
VOA Director Calei Vaughn said that she is considering setting up a laptop at one of the monthly pancake breakfasts, and allowing people to sign up with the assistance of VOA staff.
For people who wish register their residential landlines, Vaughn is working to facilitate home visits, so that a VOA volunteer would be able to provide assistance from the person's home. When signing up for the service via a residential landline, internet access is required and the phone line must be verified via an automated call placed to that phone.
"We definitely need a couple volunteers who would be willing to do home visits,GÇ¥ Vaughn said.
People interested in volunteering should contact the VOA at 360-793-2400. Volunteers must be able to pass a background check.
For more information about Smart911 or to create your profile, visit safety.smart911.com. For more information on Fire District No. 5, visit www.facebook.com/Snofire5.-á
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