The City of Englewood announced today that its dispatch center is joining a growing number of local emergency‑services agencies that will use Smart911, a free, nationwide service that allows residents to build a personal Safety Profile. The profile can include critical details such as medical conditions, emergency contacts, pet information and other relevant data that can be accessed instantly by 911 call takers and first responders when a call is placed.
How Smart911 works for Englewood residents
When a resident registers for Smart911 at smart911.com, they can choose exactly which pieces of information to share. Options include chronic health issues, medication needs, the presence of service animals or other pets, and the names and phone numbers of family members or neighbors who should be notified in an emergency. Once the profile is saved, the information is linked to the resident’s address.
During a 911 call, the dispatcher sees a pop‑up that displays the relevant Safety Profile for the caller’s location. This immediate access can save valuable minutes, allowing responders to tailor their approach—whether that means bringing an EpiPen for a known allergy, preparing for a wheelchair‑bound patient, or taking extra precautions around a large dog.
Benefits for first responders and the community
Englewood’s public‑safety officials say the program strengthens the city’s emergency‑response capabilities without costing taxpayers a dime. “Smart911 gives our dispatchers critical context before they even speak with the caller,” said the city’s public‑safety director. “That extra information can mean the difference between a routine response and a life‑saving intervention.”
The service is already in use in neighboring municipalities, and early reports indicate faster response times and higher satisfaction among callers who have a profile set up. Because the program is free, there is no financial burden on the city or its residents.
How to sign up
Englewood residents who wish to create a Safety Profile can visit smart911.com and follow the simple registration steps. The website guides users through each data field, allowing them to skip any information they do not wish to share. Once completed, the profile is automatically linked to the resident’s address and will be available to any 911 call made from that location.
For those who prefer assistance, the city’s public‑safety office will host a brief informational session next month at the Englewood Community Center. The session will demonstrate how to set up a profile, answer questions, and explain how the data is protected and used solely for emergency purposes.
Privacy and security
Smart911 emphasizes that all information is stored securely and is only accessible to authorized emergency‑services personnel during a 911 call. The data is not sold, shared with advertisers, or used for any purpose other than public safety.
Englewood’s adoption of Smart911 reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology that supports families, safeguards the community, and upholds the values of personal responsibility and liberty. By giving residents a simple way to share vital information, the city hopes to improve outcomes for everyone who calls for help.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
