New 'Smart911' System Makes Debut In Alsip

ALSIP, IL — The Village of Alsip is debuting a new safety notification tool for residents that will enable them to get emergency help faster. Smart911, a safety service used by more than 45 million people across 40 states, is now available to village residents and businesses. The service is also available in Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Bridgeview and Burbank.

More than 80 percent of 911 calls are made on mobile phones, which leaves call-takers little information other than the caller’s phone number and general location. Smart911 can help residents and their families get help faster through its Safety Profile feature. The profile allows users to pre-fill emergency information, such as names, vehicles, addresses, etc. The pre-filled Safety Profile pops up whenever a call is placed to 911, reducing the time it takes to get first responders the information they need.

"Smart911 saves critical time in an emergency and has proven to save lives nationally," said Chief Jay Miller, of the Alsip Police Department. "The information we automatically receive through the Smart911 Safety Profiles will help us respond faster and more efficiently."

Alsip police encourage all residents to create an emergency safety profile for their household at smart911.com or through the Smart911 app available on the Apple Store or Google Play. The Smart911 app allows users to get safety, traffic, weather alerts and more on their smartphones.

"It provides greater access to the lifesaving benefits of Smart911," said Diana Tousignant, director of Oak Lawn Emergency Communications. "The Safety Profile travels with you and the additional information allows us to send the right response team faster."

Smart911 can be linked to both home and work addresses via a person’s mobile phone, which can be used for a more detailed, rapid response. Additional information, such as pets in the home, vehicle details in the event of an accident and even emergency contacts can all be included in the safety profile. Users can decide which information they wish to share in their safety profiles. All information is safe, private and secure, the company claims. The Safety Profile is only made available to the 911 system during an emergency call.

"The benefits of this information on a 911 call from a mobile phone are immeasurable," Tousignant said. "Mobile phones do not provide an address to the 911 caretaker. The Safety Profile can speak for you in case you can’t.”