Shared by Unit Owner Jim Jardine

The city of Chicago has a new tool for use by first responders, including firemen, police, and EMS, (emergency medical services) like ambulance drivers and medics, to save them time when you ask for help by calling 911.

Visit Chicago Smart 911 and you will be directed to create a safety profile online which can help them help you. Today 80% of 911 calls come from mobile phones, which only provide your general location.

This service would be good even for landline users as well.

If you register with this free service, emergency workers will see on their screen your name and address, your medical information (health conditions, medications, allergies, disabilities), home information (people living in your household, property details, layout, and utility information), description of pets and vehicles, and your emergency contacts (phone numbers associated with your family or caregiver) before they meet you.

When first responders arrive it helps them to know if you have difficulty communicating in English. Knowing that you might not hear and understand them unless you are at that moment wearing your hearing aid avoids their misdiagnosing your ability to understand and respond. In crime situations, you may not be able to safely speak but only to dial 911.

Nationwide, 45 million residents are already protected by Smart 911. In Michigan firemen saved 11 minutes when responding to a house fire, saving the homeowner’s life. You can provide as much or as little information as you like. Your information can be seen only if you have an emergency and call 911.

Consider signing up today, because every second counts.