Smart 911 Really is a Smart Move

Alice Kuder • August 22, 2024

Call 911!

Most people–even young children–know to call 911 when they need emergency assistance. They trust the 911 operator to assess the situation and send appropriate help, whether it be police officers, EMT’s or fire fighters.

Landline, or mobile phone?

If you are calling from a landline–and those are somewhat rare these days–the 911 system tells the operator your address. However, if you are calling from a cell/mobile phone–even if the GPS function is working–your location information may not be transmitted as quickly or as accurately, and that is the only information the operator will have.

Before an Emergency

Smart 911 , on the other hand, is a free, national registration service you can opt into BEFORE AN EMERGENCY, to supply additional information that is stored in the 911 call center system. This includes information such as the names of family members (including pets), medical histories, languages spoken, photos, and more.

Believe it or not, this kind of information can be difficult to remember when you are experiencing a crisis; our minds and memories are not as sharp in emergency situations.

Free and Confidential

The information you provide Smart 911 is confidential, and it is up to you as to how much information you provide. Think of it as emergency pre-registration. It is similar to pre-registering for a visit to a doctor’s office.

Multiple Profiles and Addresses

You can create profiles for each member of your household, ensuring that if anyone in your family needs to call 911, their critical information is already available to emergency responders. And, you can register multiple addresses (home, work, school, etc.), all connected to your cell phone number.

Helpful Reminders

Smart 911 sends occasional (once or twice a year) emails to remind you to update your information. You might be surprised to realize how many seemingly small details have changed in your life over the course of the past six-twelve months.

How to Sign Up

To sign up, go to Smart911.com. TODAY . No, seriously, do it right now. This is not an item for your “I’ll do it tomorrow” list.

Be Alert(ed)!

And while you’re at it, sign up for Alert Seattle, the City of Seattle’s official emergency alert and notification system for timely texts about local emergencies. Forewarned is forearmed, as the saying goes. Sign up at alert.seattle.gov

Advanced preparation provides peace of mind; get yours today.

The post Smart 911 Really is a Smart Move appeared first on Just In Case.

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