How We See It: Data-Driven 911 A Smart Move For All

One of the first things to break down in the event of an emergency is the effectiveness of communication.

When the nerves are frayed and the adrenalin is pumping, it's hard to concentrate on providing critically important information to police, fire and ambulance dispatchers. The advent of 911 made it unnecessary to memorize or post local emergency phone numbers. Then came advanced 911, which equipped the system with the ability to transmit a land line's physical address to dispatchers so that even a 911 hangup could get a response.

What's the Point?

Residents are encouraged to access Smart911.com and provide crucial information first responders can use in the event of an emergency.

But with today's ever-advancing technology, is that the best one should expect?

Not at all, and the people behind Smart911.com are making it possible for anyone to provide important information that could make a huge difference -- like life and death -- in the response to call for emergency help.

Residents can access the system by creating a free online account at Smart911.com. Once there, they can provide substantial details about emergency contacts, about the people who live in a house (such as medical conditions), about the various cell and land line phones related to an address. Together, this date can be used in a time of emergency to inform first responders, giving them a level of details that make them not just respond faster, but smarter.

Some will avoid Smart911 out of a fear of sharing too much of themselves online. It's smart to be wary of doing that in this high-tech world. But abuse or illegal use of data should not prevent anyone from taking advantage of technological advances to make one's family safer. Smart911 has measures to keep the data safe and to make it available to dispatchers for a limited time after someone on the account makes a call to 911. At times, such as with a stroke or other ailment, those callers may be unable to respond. Or perhaps it's a child who knows enough to dial 911 but cannot remember details about a family member's name, age or condition. All of these details can be input into Smart911 to be available in those moments when information is critical to an adequate emergency response.

Smart 911 requires action on the part of Arkansas residents. Unlike the NSA, this program isn't trolling the digital world looking for data. It's a voluntary program through which residents can share as much or as little key information as they want.The service is free. We recommend residents take an active role in ensuring safety for themselves and their families. Like replacing batteries in smoke alarms with each shift from and to daylight saving time, it's a small step that can make a huge difference in response

Benton County Leaders On Right Path

At least the latest talk of pay raises for Benton County justices of the peace were quickly tamped down, with some saying they weren't in favor of "increasing any amount to anyone." Another said he would put the issue "beyond the back burner."

When these members of the Quorum Court are scraping to find money to fund ambulance service to rural areas, it would send an entirely wrong message to be passing out raises to themselves. Being a justice of the peace can be a tough position and we respect people who take up the responsibility, but doling out money to themselves would have been unacceptable to many county residents.

Sometimes, "no" is the right answer even when the financial impact isn't huge.

Commentary on 02/25/2014

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