'Smart 911' system up and running

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

— Just a day after a press conference at the State Capitol, launching Smart 911 access across Arkansas, the Benton County Office of Emergency Communications announced it is up and running.

For over a year, Benton County and North Little Rock have been testing Smart 911. Smart 911 is the next generation of 911 technologies and will allow public safety dispatchers and response personnel to procure more detailed and potentially lifesaving information about a caller in an emergency, even if calling from a cell phone.

This information is kept secure and can include anything from detailed premises information, such as where the gas or water shut-off valve is located at a residence, and personal information about the caller, such as allergies, medical conditions or special rescue needs.

The Smart 911 system willalso allow chat messaging to and from cell phone callers who might be hearing impaired or have another special need.

“I believe the information provided by the Smart Safety Profiles will increase speed and efficiency when responding to a citizen in need,” said Joshua Billis, director of the Benton County Office of Emergency Communications. “The precise details we can obtain from the safety profiles could save precious time in an emergency situation.”

According to Billis, the Benton County Office of Emergency Communications is honored to have been part of this statewide initiative and proud to be one of the first agencies thatis already operational.

Arkansas is the first state in the nation to launch this system statewide. It will put Arkansas on the forefront of public safety technology and ensure that Arkansas’ citizens and those traveling through Arkansas will haveaccess to the most advanced 911 system available.

Smart 911 can be found in cities all around the nation and is an “opt-in” program. Citizens who wish to register for an account should visit www.smart911.com and click on Create Your Safety Profile.

The site then guides the user through the registration process, which includes inputting optional information about the user’s residence, medical information, vehicle information, emergency contact information and more.

Once the user profile is completed and the user’s phone numbers are activated in the system, the user can rest assured that he or she is protected, Billis said.

When a registered user calls 911 and the Public Safety Answering Point that receives the call is currently operating Smart 911, the PSAP will be alerted that the caller has a Smart 911 profile and give the dispatcher access to his or her information.

News, Pages 7 on 06/13/2012