Rave Mobile Safety News

Talk-A-Phone Integrates With Rave Mobile Safety’s Industry Leading Campus Safety Suite

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:56:27 -0500

Best-of-breed Solution Provides Higher Education with Enhanced
Emergency Communications, Improved Safety and Single Point-of-Control

Talk-A-Phone, the industry leader in emergency communications, area of refuge and mass notification systems, today announced the integration of its VOIP-500 series phone / WEBS® Paging Module with the Rave SafeCampus suite from Rave Mobile Safety, the trusted software partner for campus safety.

The combined solution provides higher education institutions with a single point-of-control for managing emergency notifications across all modes of communication and types of devices, including VOIP-500 series phones and WEBS paging devices, greatly enhancing the ability to rapidly notify students, faculty and staff during emergencies.

“Integrating Talk-A-Phone’s campus safety products with Rave SafeCampus is a powerful combination,” said Matt Serra, senior director product management of Rave Mobile Safety. “Our standards-based technology easily integrates with Talk-A-Phone, creating a solution that can be quickly deployed for enhanced safety and effective communications across an entire community.”

“We are extremely pleased to announce the new partnership with Rave Mobile Safety,” said Samuel Shanes, chairman and chief executive officer for Talk-A-Phone Co. “Integrating Talk-A-Phone’s VOIP-500 series phones and WEBS paging devices with the Rave SafeCampus offers our joint higher education clients a new standard in enhanced campus safety.”

Talk-A-Phone Co. serves the U.S. and international security markets through national distributors and security integrators with products used for emergency communications, mass notification, intercom and area of refuge applications.

Rave SafeCampus is an easy-to-use, integrated suite of the most powerful safety applications available –Rave Alert, Rave Guardian and Eyewitness - backed by the industry’s best support. It allows those in campus safety, emergency management, student affairs and students to each have the applications and information they need to ensure efficient bi-directional communications with their entire campus community, all within a single integrated environment.

For more information please visit www.talkaphone.com or www.ravemobilesafety.com.

About Talk-A-Phone Co.
Talk-A-Phone is the industry leader in emergency communications, area of refuge, and mass notification systems, providing the best quality, technology, and support. With over 75 years of experience creating communications solutions, Talk-A-Phone designs attractive, robust, reliable products, focuses on continuous technology advancement and pledges a total commitment to customer and partner success. For more information, please visit www.talkaphone.com.

About Rave Mobile Safety
Rave Mobile Safety is the most trusted software partner for campus and public safety. Used by leading Institutes of Higher Education and State and Local Agencies, the award-winning portfolio of Rave SafeCampus, Rave Alert, Rave Guardian, Eyewitness, Smart911 and SmartPrepare enables millions to feel safe, secure and connected. Rave Mobile Safety is headquartered in Framingham, MA. For more information please visit www.ravemobilesafety.com

North Platte First To Offer Free Service “Smart911″ In Nebraska

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:31:00 -0500

A relatively new emergency service, used in only 26 states, offers you the ability to create a profile for your family that displays key details to emergency responders in the case of an emergency, North Platte is the first city in Nebraska to offer the service, Smart911, which has proven helpful across the county in cases of missing children, house fires and even vehicle accidents.

When you have a profile with Smart911, the information you entered shows up in-front of the person who takes your 9-1-1 call, this person could be the emergency dispatch who communicates the information to responding police officers, fire fighters or in some cases a medical emergency team.

The information you use is safe, secure and private. The information you supply are the time-saving details like how many family members and pets live at the residence, medical conditions, disabilities, pictures of children in the event of a kidnapping, mobile phone numbers and emergency contacts. These details are what you, in some cases, wish the dispatch already knew because it saves time and makes for a better response plan, according to the North Platte Police Department’s news release,

“Currently when we receive an incoming 9-1-1 call, we have limited information. That is especially true for calls from mobile phones,” said Mary Ann Agler, Telecommunications Supervisor for the North Platte Police Department. “Having more information to better understand the situation is an immeasurable benefit to our call takers.” Information from a profile helps responders in the field. “Knowing what kind of situation we are walking in to can help us to better plan our response to save time, and ultimately lives,” said Lt. Steve Reeves, North Platte Police Department. “Knowing vehicle information can assist us in locating an accident, or knowing there are pets on the property can help us provide a safe response for the citizen and our officers”

Smart911 makes a difference in over 300 communities spread across 26 states and the service is free-of-charge for anyone. You can create your Safety Profile by clicking here or by following this link. (https://www.smart911.com/smart911/registration/registrationLanding.action)

The news release also describes how the service proved useful in a missing child case,

“Having a Safety Profile has positively impacted emergencies across the country, including a missing child call during which a girl’s photo and physical description was distributed to deputies while the mother was still on the phone with 9-1-1. The girl was recovered safely soon after the call was placed and law enforcement was far ahead of the normal timeframe when responding to the call.”

If the protection of your family is a top priority, creating a Safety Profile with Smart911 is an idea you may want to consider.

North Platte to Use Smart911 When Providing Emergency Services

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:14:00 -0500

North Platte emergency responders will now be able to utilize an online program, Smart911, to aid in responding to calls from North Platte residents.

Smart911 gives residents the opportunity to create a safety profile online that includes information about their household that they would like emergency responders to have. The information becomes immediately available to the dispatcher that receives the 911 call.

“Currently when we receive an incoming 9-1-1 call, we have limited information. That is especially true for calls from mobile phones,” said Mary Ann Agler, telecommunications supervisor for the North Platte Police Department. “Having more information to better understand the situation is an immeasurable benefit to our call takers.”

Information from a profile can also be passed on to responders in the field. “Knowing what kind of situation we are walking in to can help us to better plan our response to save time, and ultimately lives,” said Lt. Steve Reeves, of the North Platte Police Department. “Knowing vehicle information can assist us in locating an accident, or knowing there are pets on the property can help us provide a safe response for the citizen and our officers”

Adding information about the layout of your home can be the difference between life and death for someone caught in a house fire. “Knowing how many people are in a home and where the bedroom locations are can make a significant difference in a home fire,” said North Platte Fire Chief, Paul Peterson.

Smart911 is a nation-wide service that is entirely private and secure. Citizens can create a Safety Profile at www.Smart911.com, by entering any information they want made available about themselves and family members, a residence, even pets. This can include data on medical conditions, disabilities and/or special needs, children’s photos, home addresses of mobile phone callers, home utility details and emergency contacts.

Smart911 Issues Safety Tips for Holiday Season

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:04:33 -0500

The holiday season is full of fun and festivities, yet, each year there are tragic stories ranging from faulty lighting causing house fires to burglars breaking in and stealing gifts. The public safety experts from Rave Mobile Safety, creators of the national safety database, Smart911, encourage citizens to review the following tips and create a free Safety Profile to ensure the safest and most enjoyable holidays for individuals, families and loved ones.

Beating the Burglars: According to the FBI, nearly 400,000 burglaries take place in the U.S. during the holiday season annually. Make sure windows and doors are locked, even if you’re leaving your residence for a brief period. Avoid having large displays of gifts that can be seen through windows or doors. In general, the more “normally lived in” a residence appears the less likely it is to become a target of burglars, so keep a radio or television on. If you’re traveling, be sure to have someone collect your mail, consider an automatic timer for your lights, stop newspaper delivery, make sure someone shovels snow and keep a vehicle in the driveway if possible.
Tree Tips: Fresh trees not only stay green longer, they are less of a fire hazard. To select a fresh one, remember that needles should be hard to pull from branches and should bend, not break. Also, inspect the base of the trunk to make sure it is sticky with resin and then bounce it off the ground. If there’s a shower of falling needles, it’s too dry. In your residence, keep the tree away from fireplaces and other heat sources. If it is a large tree, consider using wire to further secure it to a wall or ceiling. Position it away from foot traffic and doorways. Finally, before setting it in a sturdy, wide stand that always contains water, cut off about two inches from the trunk to increase water absorption and slow drying.
Getting Lights Right: Make sure every set of lights – indoor or outdoor, new or old – have been inspected for damaged sockets, frayed or bare wires and faulty connections. A single extension cord should have no more than three standard-size light sets. Whenever leaving your residence or going to bed, be sure all lights have been shut off. Also, electric lights should never be used on a metallic tree; a faulty one can actually electrocute a person that simply touches a branch.
Outdoor Decor: Cold, wet weather means slippery conditions, whether it’s a walkway or a rooftop. So, when decorating outdoors, make sure your ladder is on solid ground, always secure, and be sure to have someone on-hand as a “spotter.”
Fire Prevention: Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and related injuries, so have an extinguisher close by. An extra-busy kitchen means an increased risk of burns and knife injuries, so keep additional people away to avoid confusion and accidents. Burning candles may add ambiance but they can also be dangerous – never leave these unattended or in the care of a child. Additionally, candles and holiday lighting increase the risk of fire, so be sure to check and make sure all smoke detectors are in working order.
Drinking Responsibly: Alcohol-related accidents and deaths are particularly high during the holiday season. If you’re hosting, remember that you are responsible, so keep a close eye on your guests, their consumption, offer plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives and do not let anyone drive impaired. Also, be certain your guests have chosen a designated driver in advance, and, that you do the same if you are attending a get-together.

Finally, Rave Mobile Safety urges citizens to create a Smart911 Safety Profile containing details about their household that they want 9-1-1 to have during an emergency. This can include all family members and photos, information on medical conditions and disabilities, home and vehicle details and even pets. Once created, when a citizen places a 9-1-1 call the Safety Profile is automatically displayed to the call-taker and can be immediately relayed to teams in the field, allowing for a better understanding of the situation and more effective emergency response.

Each Smart911 Safety Profile is private, secure and only available to 9-1-1 call takers during an emergency call. Smart911 is currently available in 26 states and more than 300 municipalities to protect millions. If you’re traveling this holiday season, remember that Smart911 is a national system, so a Safety Profile can be delivered with an emergency call in any area of the country if the local 9-1-1 call center is supported by the service.

To check Smart911 availability, you can enter a zip code at http://www.Smart911.com.

Ellucian LIVE

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Ellucian LIVE

April 7-10, 2013
Philadelphia, PA

http://www.ellucian.com/EllucianLive/

AR APCO/NENA Conference 2013

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

AR APCO/NENA Conference 2013

April 14 - 17
Little Rock Double Tree Hotel

http://on.fb.me/QUjq7c

TX APCO/TX NENA 2013

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

TX APCO/TX NENA 2013 Joint Conference & Awards

May 19 - May 22, 2013
Hyatt Regency Houston

http://bit.ly/UStLB1

Smart911 Honors Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 12:16:57 -0500

Service Enhances Emergency Response to Bring Help to Those with Alzheimer’s and Peace-of-mind to Families

The impact of Alzheimer’s is far-reaching; nearly 5.4 million Americans now have the disease. In support of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, Smart911, a national safety database, aims to offer assistance to those with Alzheimer’s and bring additional peace-of-mind to their families.

Smart911 recognizes the specific needs that those affected by Alzheimer’s face on a daily basis. An individual with Alzheimer’s may wander away from home or have difficulty remembering such basic details as their address or medications. Family members and caregivers often spend time preparing for the possibility of an emergency. In these situations, seconds and minutes can count, and Smart911 brings a new level of support and reassurance to those with Alzheimer’s and their families.

Smart911 allows families to create a free, private and secure Safety Profile at www.smart911.com which can include any information they want 9-1-1 to have in the event of an emergency. The profile is then delivered automatically to the 9-1-1call-taker when an emergency call is made. Details in a Safety Profile allow 9-1-1 to have a better understanding of a situation and can be passed on to emergency response teams in the field to help support fast, precise action.

Should someone with Alzheimer’s dial 9-1-1 and be unable to remember personal information, their Safety Profile can provide details such as a name, exact address, medical notes and emergency contacts. If they wander away from home and a family member or caretaker dials 9-1-1 from a phone number included in the profile, a photo can be immediately distributed to emergency responders to expedite a search. Police can also be made aware that a person has Alzheimer’s and approach them accordingly.

A Smart911 Safety Profile is private, secure and only available to call-takers during an emergency call. Smart911 now helps emergency responders in 26 states and more than 300 municipalities to protect millions. Because it is a national system, once a Safety Profile has been created, it can be delivered with an emergency call in any area of the country if the local 9-1-1 call center is supported by Smart911.

Smart911 is offered by Rave Mobile Safety, the trusted software partner for campus and public safety. It is supported by leading public safety and health officials, as well as advocacy groups. Among its many honors and awards, Smart911 recently received the “Parent Tested Parent Approved Winner’s Seal of Approval.”

“Emergencies pose particular risks for those with Alzheimer’s and take an emotional toll on family members,” said Tom Axbey, president and CEO of Rave Mobile Safety. “Smart911 can make a big difference if someone goes missing or becomes confused when they need help. Taking a few minutes today to create a Safety Profile gives emergency responders a real advantage – increasing their effectiveness and saving valuable time – helping all to avoid unnecessary tragedy in the future.”

Rave Mobile Safety Introduces Integrated Campus Safety Suite to Bring Powerful New Capabilities to Higher Education

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:12:00 -0500

Industry Leader Announces Rave SafeCampus at EDUCAUSE 2012

Rave Mobile Safety, the trusted software partner for campus safety, today announced Rave SafeCampus, the easy-to-use, integrated suite of the most powerful safety applications available, backed by the industry’s best support. Rave protects approximately 40 percent of the U.S. higher education student body and its new suite combines field-proven products including Rave Alert for emergency notification, Rave Guardian for individual safety, and Eyewitness for text-based crime tip reporting.

Available in the first quarter of 2013, Rave SafeCampus suite will allow those in campus safety, emergency management, student affairs and students to each have the applications and information they need to ensure efficient bi-directional communications with their entire campus community, all within a single integrated environment.

Additional new features in the Rave SafeCampus suite include:

Rave SmartDispatch Console: Provides detailed information on inbound calls for help, two-way text messaging with callers, anonymous crime tip reporting, and case archiving and disposition notes.
Integrated Rave Safety ProfileTM: Allows the campus community to create and manage a single profile of critical information that is utilized and shared based on permissions and use cases. These Safety Profiles can drive highly targeted emergency notifications and provide context and critical data to families. They can even be automatically delivered to more than 300 participating 9-1-1 centers in 25 states supported by Smart911 TM, a national safety database created by Rave.
Rave Guardian App: Used by universities across the country, a recently released version of the product now includes a mobile app for iPhone and Android, allowing students to create their own lists to keep friends and family updated on their whereabouts and safety. Critical student data is automatically passed directly to campus safety if an alarm condition exists. Also, in Smart911 supported areas, Safety Profile information is displayed whenever a student calls 9-1-1.
Rave Extender 2.0 & SmartWeather Notifications: Includes robust CAP compliant APIs for automated, rules-driven multi-modal messaging. Rave Extender also features packaged templates for next-generation weather alerting, allowing the delivery of tiered notifications to specific groups based on attributes such as location and severity.
Enhanced Administrative Capabilities for Rave Alert: Provides administrators very granular control over templates, email profiles, modes and users who can be messaged by those authorized to send emergency notifications.

“Rave SafeCampus is the result of invaluable feedback we’ve received from the many higher education institutions who have integrated our solutions into their key systems and processes,” said the President & CEO of Rave Mobile Safety, Tom Axbey. “It is a logical evolution to combine our full spectrum of capabilities into a single suite for more effective operations and easier management, while leveraging our award-winning Smart911 product to support the best emergency service possible.”

Smart911: Saving lives through information sharing

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

It is important to have a system that allows citizens to have an active role in being prepared and advising emergency responders in advance what their needs are.

As a telecommunications operator, I’ve said to myself many times, “It would have been helpful to know this information at the time of the call.”

This could have been in reference to a citizen’s medical condition including current medications and allergies. It could have been information helping me guide first responders into a residence through the back door because the front door is always blocked. What about a current picture of their missing child?

I could go on and on about things that would be helpful to know to do my job better.

Smart911
Citizens know themselves best. They know their vulnerabilities and their risk points. Unfortunately, they tend to forget to relay this type of information when they are in panic mode.

Wouldn’t it be helpful if citizens were given a tool that can help them help first responders when they need them?

Enter Smart911.

Smart911 is a safety software solution allowing citizens anywhere in the country to create a Safety Profile free of charge. This profile includes critical data such as medical conditions, medications, photographs, vehicle and pet information, location clarifications and emergency notifications which is relayed directly to 911 operators when a call is placed to 911 from the registered phone number.

This profile can include as much or as little information as the caller would like to add. Landlines and cell phones can be linked to the Safety Profile. Safety Profiles are 100 percent safe and secure and must be validated every six months.

“We run on a combination of call-taking software and CAD,” Todd Piett, Chief Production Officer at Rave Mobile Safety, explained.

“There is a spill of data from the ANI/ALI. It queries out to our posted data services and asks if it knows anything about this number. If you’ve registered anywhere in the country, your information will show up. The call taker answers the call and a pop-up comes up on their CAD as a little web screen.”

The operator can then copy and paste the information into whatever format fits their need, such as into the call notes themselves so it can be read via MDT. “A person could add that their son is autistic and reacts violently to flashing lights,” Piett said.

An additional line stating he will hide in the closet can help first responders find him. When an agency purchases Smart911, Rave Mobile Safety provides brochures for telecommunications operators to reference and managers receive a policy template and a power point to help implement training.

Benefits
“Knowing if a person is over 300 pounds or in an electric wheelchair is extremely helpful,” Piett said.

When asked how Smart911 is valuable to operators, Piett responded, “You tell me. You’re the expert,” showing how the company is focused on the end-user and how this technology helps us help others.

“Can you think of a situation where having medical conditions or a picture that pops up would be helpful? Would it be helpful to know that this caller has dementia and is not on drugs? That a caller is not capable of answering your questions?”

As a telecommunications professional, my only response would be a resounding, “YES!”

Along with the autistic community, another group benefiting from Smart911 is the deaf and hard of hearing. In addition to having the Safety Profile, a deaf or hard of hearing user has access to texting through a Smart911 app.

Handling 40 percent of the higher education clients, Rave Mobile Safety is the nation’s largest provider of emergency notification systems. Through this network, deaf/hard of hearing Smart911 users get text messaging via an IM that goes through Rave’s servers.

“If someone flags themselves as deaf/hard of hearing, you would get access to this app,” Piett said.

“The caller makes a voice call to 911 and they will get a message saying to hang up and send a text message.” Having a 911 caller hang up isn’t ideal, but in the interim before NG911 allows direct text messaging to 911, Smart911 is a viable option to serve the needs of this community.

Arkansas and Nationwide
Smart911 is in more than 300 PSAPs large and small. An added bonus is that even if you live in an area that does not have the software, if you register your cell phone and travel into an area that does have it, Smart911 works.

This year, Arkansas became the first state to implement Smart911 statewide. “I wanted it statewide not just for one call center,” said Gary Gray, Operations Manager and Deputy Coordinator for Emergency Management for North Little Rock Emergency Services.

He saw where Smart911 could meet the needs of everyday Arkansans on a state-wide level.

“Although we don’t have every agency, we’re in 25 states,” explained Piett. Close to my neck of the woods, this includes King County (Wash.). So, if I’m ever traveling up the Pike Place Market or to see a Mariners game, Smart911 has me covered.

As far as the number of registered users, according to Piett it varies by community. “The determining factor is in the outreach,” he said. “In communities where they are very active, like DC where it was endorsed by the mayor, we see a better response.” To assist in this, the company offers marketing as part of the Smart911 purchase.

Funding
To fund Smart911, Arkansas, with the help of Rave Mobile Safety, pursued support at the capitol level. “Senator Baker found the money through the auditor’s office,” Gray explained.

With funds from unclaimed property, the state was able to purchase life-saving Smart911. Cost of the software depends on the size of the agency. According to Piett, most agencies use E911 funds and in some agencies, justice grants have been used.

On the Floor
So what do the users think?

“The dispatchers are elated because they can actually see the benefit of what this product can do,” Gray explained.

“They see how having this information and relaying it to the responders at the time of need helps the family. The dispatchers are very, very excited about providing better service.”

After all, we are in the life-saving business and if we are given tools that help us do our jobs better, faster and with positive results, what’s not to be excited about?

Smart911 is about preplanning for emergencies.

“Thirty or 40 years ago, our government told people to prepare for disasters,” Gray explained. “People did that. Now civil defense is part of homeland security. People are still being prepared.”

It is important to have a system that allows citizens to have an active role in being prepared and advising emergency responders in advance what their needs are.

Smart911 Works
In western Arkansas a frantic mother called 911 after her child ran into a barbeque grill causing a severe laceration. In her distraught state, she failed to mention his lethal allergy to latex.

As the ambulance raced to the scene, common protocol would have emergency medical personnel gloving up. Thanks to this mother’s preplanning and the state’s implementation of Smart911 the dispatcher saw the Safety Profile and broadcast the allergy to the responding units.

Smart911 helped the first responders, especially the ‘first’ first responder, the dispatcher, do her job and quite possibly saved the life of a small boy that day. Saving lives is what we do, and having the support of software such as Smart911 that helps us do that, is always a good thing.

About the author
Michelle Perin spent seven and a half years as a police telecommunications operator with the City of Phoenix (Ariz.) Police Department. She is a Navy veteran and holds a graduate degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Indiana State University. Her publication credits include Law Enforcement Technology, Law & Order, Beyond the Badge, Police Chief, Police Times, and Police Magazine. Michelle has done volunteer work as an advocate for sexual assault victims and veterans. She is currently a volunteer firefighter in the small Oregon town in which she lives. She rides a Triumph America with the Patriot Guard honoring those who have served our nation. She currently works at Jasper Mountain, a psychiatric residential treatment facility for severely traumatized children. Michelle enjoys spending time with her two adolescent sons, watching ice hockey, and volunteering at the local ferret shelter. Michelle has been a member of the Public Safety Writers Association since 2005 and has been the Contest Coordinator since 2007.

New program enhances 911

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Residents in Gem County can be more proactive about the safety and preparedness of their household as officials announced they have implemented Smart911 to enhance public safety services.
Smart911 is a national safety database that allows residents to create a free safety profile for their household that includes the information they want 911 to have in the event of an emergency. Once created, when a resident dials 911, their safety profile will immediately be displayed to call takers, allowing for a better understanding of the caller, their situation and greater emergency response.

“Having more information is an immeasurable benefit to emergency responders and we encourage citizens to create a Smart911 Safety Profile,” Lisa Resinkin, Gem County Dispatch supervisor said. “What citizens may not realize is that we receive very little information on their incoming 911 call, especially if it is made on a mobile phone. If they are unable to communicate the information we need, their profile can provide those vital details and our response teams can be dispatched to the correct location with the correct information to assist them. We can’t fill this information out for people.”

You may give as much — or as little — information as you like. Information entered can be catered to your specific needs. All of the information remains confidential, much like information given to a physician.

Medical information for yourself or the senior citizen in the home
A profile of each child in the home, including photograph in case they are missing
Let first responders know about the pets or animals
It can be used to give directions to your home, i.e. down a lane, red house on left

The program will send out a reminder to update the information every six months. If it is not updated, access lapses to information for emergency operators, Resinkin said.

In addition, many cellular telephones will not give a specific address if you call 911. With Smart911, you can add a specific home address to your profile information. A safety profile can be created anytime by logging on to www.smart911.com . Profiles can include all family members and their photos, medical information or conditions, disabilities, home details, vehicle information and even pets. The information contained in a profile is then relayed to response teams in the field as it pertains to the specific emergency. A photo can give police a timely advantage in the event of a missing child, fire crews can have information on how many people reside in a home and where their bedroom locations are and emergency medical teams can be made aware of allergies or pre-existing conditions that may affect treatment on scene.

Smart911 is a nationwide service that is private and secure and paid for by the municipality. With service activated in 23 states and over 300 municipalities, Gem County joins Elmore County as the second in Idaho to give residents the ability to be proactive about their family’s safety.

“By deploying Smart911 and urging citizens to create a Safety Profile, Gem County is demonstrating their commitment to delivering the most effective emergency services possible to area citizens,” Tom Axbey, president and CEO, Rave Mobile Safety said. “Municipalities are realizing how detailed information can dramatically improve emergency outcomes and as this public/private partnership expands, we can look forward to increased public safety across the entire country.”

Newtown is First in Connecticut to Implement Rapidly Growing Smart911 for Enhanced Public Safety

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Town Officials Urge Citizens to Create a Safety Profile to Provide 9-1-1 with Vital Information Before an Emergency, So Response Teams Can Better Assist Them During One

Today, during a press conference at the Newtown Municipal Center, First Selectman E. Patricia Llodra announced the town is the first in the state to join Smart911, a national safety database, to provide enhanced public safety services to all citizens. Smart911 allows citizens to create a free Safety Profile for their household that includes information they want 9-1-1 to have in the event of an emergency. Then, when a citizen dials 9-1-1, their profile is immediately displayed to call takers, allowing for a better understanding of the caller and their emergency.

“We are extremely proud to offer this lifesaving service to our community,” said First Selectman Llodra. “By allowing our citizens to provide vital details to our response teams prior to an emergency, we have the ability to positively enhance our response times, and ultimately, the outcome of the situation.”

A Safety Profile can be created anytime by logging on to www.smart911.com. It can include all family members and photos, information on medical conditions and disabilities, home and vehicle details and even pets. The information contained in a Safety Profile can be relayed to response teams in the field, enabling them to have a better understanding of the situation.

“What citizens may not realize is that we don’t usually have a lot of information when we are responding to a call,” said Police Chief Michael Kehoe. “If a citizen is unable to speak, or often times, too emotional to remember even the simplest of details, a Safety Profile can provide that information.” For example, a photo of a child can give police a timely advantage in the event of a missing child, fire crews can have information on how many people reside in a home and where their bedroom locations are, and EMS teams can be made aware of allergies or pre-existing conditions that may affect treatment on scene.

Smart911 is a nation-wide service that is private, secure and locally funded. With service activated in 23 states and over 300 municipalities, anytime a citizen dials 9-1-1 across the country and their call is answered by a local Smart911 supported center, their profile will be available, bringing additional peace of mind to travelers.

Smart911 is provided by Rave Mobile Safety, the trusted software partner for campus and public safety. It is endorsed by leading public safety and health officials throughout the U.S., as well as advocacy groups. In recent months, it has been adopted in communities from Florida to Washington state, with Arkansas announcing the first statewide deployment and Washington, D.C. also launching Smart911.

“Newtown has demonstrated a great commitment to public safety for their citizens,” said Tom Axbey, president and CEO, Rave Mobile Safety. “Municipalities across the country are realizing how detailed information can dramatically improve emergency outcomes, and as this public/private partnership expands, we can look forward to serving more citizens in more states.”

About Newtown Emergency Communications
Newtown Emergency Communications Center (NECC) dispatches police, fire, and EMS for the Town of Newtown. NECC answers all 9-1-1 calls for Newtown’s Emergency Services. NECC is located at 3 Main St. in Town Hall South. It is staffed 24/7 by two dispatchers. In 2011, NECC answered 8,080 emergency 9-1-1 calls. NECC has also recently been awarded partnership status with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and APCO.

About Rave Mobile Safety
Rave Mobile Safety is the most trusted software partner for campus and public safety. Used by leading Institutes of Higher Education and State and Local Agencies, the award-winning portfolio of RaveAlert, RaveGuardian, Eyewitness, Smart911 and SmartPrepare enables millions to feel safe, secure and connected. Rave Mobile Safety is headquartered in Framingham, MA. For more information please visit www.ravemobilesafety.com.

Emergency Preparedness for Residents with SmartPrepare

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 11:03:00 -0400

New Canaan, CT Provides Better Emergency Preparedness for Residents with SmartPrepare

First Selectman Robert E. Mallozzi III Announces a New Service that will help Protect Town’s Residents and Businesses

The New Canaan community can now feel more prepared, as a new service to assist in emergency situations is being implemented. First Selectman Robert E. Mallozzi III today announced the availability of SmartPrepare, a new initiative by the Department of Health & Human Services. Speaking at the Board of Selectmen meeting, First Selectman Mallozzi discussed how New Canaan will be the first in Connecticut to utilize SmartPrepare to provide the Town’s emergency management officials and responders with more complete information about specific needs in the community so they can more effectively plan for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

”Since Hurricane Irene last year, our Town had been searching for ways in which we could enhance our existing process for identifying and locating at-risk individuals within our community and SmartPrepare is that solution,” said Robert E. Mallozzi III, First Selectman of New Canaan (CT). “SmartPrepare gives us the capability to rapidly access information provided by our residents in a manner that helps prioritize activities during disaster planning and response, allowing us to better serve our residents and businesses.”

With SmartPrepare, residents and commuters are able to create a Preparedness Profile at www.smartprepare.com that is available to specific emergency management and public health officials for disaster planning and response activities. The profile can include specific medical conditions and functional needs, all family members, pets, photographs, home and work addresses associated with telephone numbers, vehicles, and more. Then, in the event of an emergency, local emergency management officials can review these details, allowing for more effective response in a disaster. Most importantly, it provides the ability to more efficiently plan for emergencies and respond to those in the greatest need of assistance.

For example, during a winter storm which may cause a power outage, officials can determine which residents may require power for medical reasons, which individuals may need assistance evacuating their homes, and even proper handling of pets. Profiles are completely safe and secure, and each citizen manages their own information.

The availability of SmartPrepare will add to Health & Human Service Director Carol McDonald’s primary objective of preparing the whole community for a disaster or other emergency, not just those with functional or access needs.

“Our goal is to help residents provide us with us as much information as possible so that we can plan and respond more effectively and efficiently during a crisis, and SmartPrepare helps us accomplish that goal,” said Health & Human Service Director, Carol McDonald. “This is an innovative approach to empowering the community to participate in their own preparedness. Overall, this new service will give us additional ways to engage our community and collaborate with our emergency preparedness partners.”

SmartPrepare is a product of Rave Mobile Safety, the most trusted software partner for campus and public safety. “Having access to the right information is critical for minimizing the impact of any emergency situation. SmartPrepare enables emergency management officials to anticipate the needs of the community long before a disaster strikes, allowing for a much more efficient and coordinated response,” said Tom Axbey, president and CEO, Rave Mobile Safety. “By putting more information in the hands of emergency responders, jurisdictions like New Canaan, Connecticut dramatically improve their ability to respond to their community.

Residents are encouraged to create their Preparedness Profile with SmartPrepare today. Participation is voluntary, and profiles are confidential and only used for disaster planning and response purposes, and are only available to town public health and emergency management officials.

Framingham Software Firm Seeks To Improve 9-1-1 Response

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

When a person dials 9-1-1 from a cell phone, it’s not as easy to track their location as it is when a call comes in from a landline.

That’s because the 9-1-1 emergency system was designed at a time when the cell phone was unheard of and landlines ruled, said Tom Axbey, CEO of Framingham-based Rave Mobile Safety.

A ‘Simple’ Yet ‘Powerful’ Concept
According to Axbey, about 70 percent of 9-1-1 calls are placed from cell phones now, giving first responders very limited information about a caller’s whereabouts. For that reason, Rave Mobile Safety’s software, known as Smart911, is gaining traction across the United States, and it may soon be available in Massachusetts cities and towns.

“It’s a very simple concept, but very powerful,” Axbey said.

Rave Mobile Safety sells their patented software to municipalities, which then offer the Smart911 program to residents at no charge.

It allows people to fill out a profile, with detailed information about family, health issues – even the number of rooms in a home – to help first responders better help them in an emergency. A screen shot pops up when first responders receive a call from a user, delivering crucial information they otherwise wouldn’t have.
The idea is that firefighters will be better equipped to evacuate a family during a house fire if they know how many rooms a house has, for example.

“It’s real, breakthrough technology,” Axbey said.

Nationwide Smart911?
Though Rave Mobile Safety has competitors for other safety software programs, the Smart911 product is unique, Axbey said. With a highly-specialized product, he said the fast-growing company will achieve new heights by the end of next year.
Smart911 sales grew by about 200 percent this year, following three years of doubling sales, according to Axbey. Today, the application is used in 30 states, by more than 300 municipalities. Axbey expects Smart911 to have a presence in all 50 states by the end of 2013.

Founded in 2004, the ventured-financed Rave Mobile Safety moved its headquarters from New York to Framingham in 2008. The company, which previously served only higher education customers with safety software solutions, was seeking to branch out to municipalities, Axbey said. Though Smart911 has yet to hit the Bay State, Axbey said company officials are in talks with the state 9-1-1 board about implementing the software here.

“I can assure you, we will be in Massachusetts very soon,” Axbey said.

9-1-1 in Bedford County Now Has Additional Capabilities to Enhance Safety for Citizens

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Residents are Urged to Create a Free Smart911 Safety Profile to Provide Vital Information to 9-1-1 Before an Emergency, So Response Teams Can Better Assist Them During One

Citizens in Bedford County can be more proactive about the safety and preparedness of their household as officials announced today that they have implemented Smart911 to enhance public safety services. Smart911 is a national database that allows citizens to create a free Safety Profile for their household that includes the information they want 9-1-1 to have in the event of an emergency. Once created, when a citizen dials 9-1-1, their Safety Profile will immediately be displayed to call takers, allowing for a better understanding of the caller, their situation and greater emergency response.

“Having more information is a great benefit to emergency responders and we encourage citizens to create a Smart911 Safety Profile,” said Phillip Noel, Director of Bedford County E911. “What citizens may not realize is that we receive very little information on their incoming 9-1-1 call, especially if it is made on a mobile phone. If they are unable to communicate the information we need, their profile can provide those vital details and our response teams can be dispatched to the correct location with the correct information to assist them.”

A Safety Profile can be created anytime by visiting www.smart911.com. Profiles can include all family members and their photos, medical information or conditions, disabilities, home details, vehicle information and even pets. The information contained in a profile is then relayed to response teams in the field as it pertains to the specific emergency. A photo can give police a timely advantage in the event of a missing child, fire crews can have information on how many people reside in a home and where their bedroom locations are, and EMS teams can be made aware of allergies or pre-existing conditions that may affect treatment on scene.

Already implemented in Nashville, where a Safety Profile has been credited with saving a life, Smart911 is a national service that is also available in Brentwood and Crockett County, TN, as well as 22 other states in over 300 municipalities. Once a citizen creates a Safety Profile, anytime they need to dial 9-1-1 in an area with active Smart911 service, their profile will be available. This provides an immeasurable benefit to citizens who may live in one county, but work in another, or families who may travel often. Smart911 is free, private and secure, and a citizen’s profile is kept confidential until they make an emergency call.

“By deploying Smart911 and urging citizens to create a Safety Profile, Bedford County is demonstrating their commitment to delivering the most effective emergency services possible to area citizens,” said Tom Axbey, President and CEO, Rave Mobile Safety. “Municipalities are realizing how a Safety Profile can dramatically improve emergency outcomes, and as this Smart911 service expands, we can look forward to increased public safety across the state and the country.”

About Rave Mobile Safety

Rave Mobile Safety is the most trusted software partner for campus and public safety. Used by leading Institutes of Higher Education and State and Local Agencies, the award-winning portfolio of RaveAlert, RaveGuardian, Eyewitness, Smart911 and SmartPrepare enables millions to feel safe, secure and connected. Rave Mobile Safety is headquartered in Framingham, MA. For more information please visit www.ravemobilesafety.com

Smart911 Provides Police Life-Saving Information

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

River Valley police have launched a new system, called Smart911, which will help them provide more efficient emergency response.

The Smart911 system is geared for cell phone users who call in and for some reason, aren’t able to give dispatchers the information they need.

Fort Smith Police began using the system this week and are encouraging people to register for the new Smart911 system online where they can create a user profile, detailing both personal and medical information.

You can include information about your past medical history, allergies, directions to your home, even a photo of yourself so police are better able to find you if they ever need to.

“When you call from your home phone, we see your name, phone number and address on our screens. But with a cell phone, you dial 911 and the information we receive is basically your phone number, the cell phone carrier, and an approximate location,” Sgt. Daniel Grubbs, with Fort Smith Police, said.

If you’re unable to tell police the information they need to know, they have to go through your cell phone provider.

“Sure, we can ping your phone. And we have had to do that in the past. But, in an emergency situation, we don’t have time to mess with all of that. We need to get to you as fast as possible,” said Sgt. Grubbs.

The information provided only shows up to 911 dispatchers if you ever call in an emergency.

“The less time it takes us to respond and get to you the better chance we have of getting you that medical assistance or getting to your house and stopping someone from getting in,” Fort Smith Police dispatcher John Layne said.

The service is free of charge, and something police say could one day save your life.

To register for Smart911, CLICK HERE.

Texas State’s Emergency Response Systems Deserve Student Gratitude

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 08:31:00 -0400

Bobcats should be thankful for the extensive safety and alert systems that are in place at Texas State amid recent security threats at college campuses in the country.

The bomb threats at the University of Texas and Louisiana State University have caused a stir both on national and local media networks. Other occurrences have also sparked concerns for students at Texas State. According to a Sept. 15 University Star brief, two custodial workers were assaulted at knife-point while walking on the west side of campus.
In light of recent events, it seems as though not enough credit is given to the emergency response systems here at the university. The University Police Department’s emergency alert procedures and RAVE system may be taken for granted by many students on campus.

According to a Sept. 14 CBS News article, emergency texts and sirens were not sent out or blared until about 30 minutes prior to when the alleged bombs were supposed to detonate at UT, even though the university received the threat from a phone call more than an hour beforehand.
Many students specifically take for granted the speed at which the Texas State emergency response system sends out notifications. The Texas State emergency alert system provides the community with immediate information when it is needed most.

There are a number of ways UPD can get emergency messages out to students on or off campus. For example, the messages sent to the signboards in campus classrooms are excellent ways of spreading information. They are discreet, quick, and create a sense of urgency for those who may need to act immediately.
UPD’s RAVE system is a relatively new and useful service. By registering for the system, users can receive text alerts about any sudden danger on campus. It is a quick and convenient way to be notified of important information. It is certainly a service worth checking out, seeing as it uses everyday devices to warn students of potentially dangerous situations.
The alert emergency and timely warning emails are some of the most effective methods for getting urgent information to students, faculty and staff. The service can be as effective as a text message, as many phones today have apps that alert their owners of incoming emails.

If students are not convinced of the sophistication of the security systems in the area, they should take a look at the situation in Bastrop last year. According to a Sept. 28, 2011 University Star article, Hays County used the Capital Area Council of Governments’ Emergency Notification System to notify residents by telephone of the approaching wildfires. The system is much like Texas State’s RAVE system. The response was fantastic, and, because of it, many lives were saved. It is because of systems like these that there are such advanced emergency response methods here at Texas State.

The next time something as serious as the recent security threats pops up in your inbox or cell phone, do not simply pass over it. The Texas State emergency response and RAVE systems work hard to keep students safe and enable them to continue with education as worry-free as possible.

Osage County Enhances Existing Smart911 Service With Disaster Preparedness Capabilities

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Citizens who create a Safety Profile can now opt to help agencies prepare for and respond to disasters

In March the Osage County Emergency Operations Center announced the availability of Smart911 for all citizens. This new service allows citizens to create a Safety Profile for their household with the vital details they want 9-1-1 to have in the event of an emergency. It is free to residents and 100% private and secure. Now, Smart911 has additional features to aid citizens during a natural disaster or emergency. Citizens can opt to provide the county’s emergency management officials and responders with additional details that may be used in disaster planning, evacuation and recovery efforts.

”While we cannot always anticipate a disaster, we can plan to respond to one” said Andrea Rice, Director of Osage County 911/Emergency Management. “Whether there is a flood, fire or nuclear power plant Emergency, being able to determine who will need what type of assistance, and where they are, will significantly benefit our ability to respond to citizens. By providing information such as mobility limitations, electricity needs, evacuation assistance, and even pet information citizens are giving us a head start in helping them”

To participate in the enhanced Smart911 program, citizens can visit www.smart911.com to create a Safety Profile, or update their existing profile. Their profile can include specific medical conditions and functional needs, all family members, pets, photographs, home and work addresses associated with telephone numbers, vehicles, and more. This profile is immediately made available to9-1-1 when the citizen places an emergency call. Within their profile, citizens can also grant permission to emergency management officials to see specific rescue related details for use in a disaster situation. These additional details provide the ability to more efficiently plan for emergencies.

For example, during a weather emergency which may cause a power outage, officials can determine which residents may require power for medical reasons, which individuals may need assistance evacuating their homes, and even proper handling of pets. Profiles are completely safe and secure, and each citizen manages their own information at www.smart911.com. The availability of these additional details will add to the Emergency Operation Center’s objective of preparing the whole community for a disaster or other emergency, not just those with functional or access needs.

Smart911 is a product of Rave Mobile Safety, the most trusted software partner for campus and public safety. “Having access to the right information is critical for minimizing the impact of any emergency situation. These enhanced features of Smart911 enable emergency management officials to anticipate the needs of the community long before a disaster strikes, allowing for a much more efficient and coordinated response,” said Tom Axbey, president and CEO, Rave Mobile Safety. “By putting more information in the hands of public safety officials, jurisdictions like Osage County dramatically improve their ability to respond to their community.

About Rave Mobile Safety

Rave Mobile Safety is the most trusted software partner for campus and public safety. Used by leading Institutes of Higher Education and State and Local Agencies, the award-winning portfolio of Rave Alert, Rave Guardian, Eyewitness, Smart911 and SmartPrepare enables millions to feel safe, secure and connected. Rave Mobile Safety is headquartered in Framingham, MA. For more information please visit www.ravemobilesafety.com

Smart911 Honors Deaf Awareness Week

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:55:00 -0400

Service Alerts 9-1-1 to Deaf or Hard of Hearing Callers to Save Valuable Time During Emergencies

Deaf Awareness Week is underway and members of the community and their families are being encouraged to take advantage of Smart911, a public safety service that can save valuable time during emergencies. Currently, when a citizen who is deaf or hard of hearing needs to contact 9-1-1, they would use methods such as a relay service or TTY, which takes time and can delay emergency response. With Smart911, these citizens can dial 9-1-1 directly and dispatchers are immediately notified that they are being contacted by a citizen with a hearing disability who is unable to communicate.

“Smart911 eliminates some of that communication barrier because it allows us to create a profile that gives us an opportunity to state our disability and communication preference,” explained Jeff Prail of the Arkansas Association of the Deaf. “The emergency responder will have the opportunity to receive the information before arriving to the front door. They will be more prepared to be able to communicate with the caller.” Prail further explains some of the difficulties the community faces in reaching public safety services in a blog post at http://blog.smart911.com Smart911 allows citizens to create a free online Safety Profile containing vital details about their household that they want 9-1-1 to have during an emergency. Once created, when a citizen places an emergency call, their profile is automatically displayed to 9-1-1, giving emergency teams a better understanding of a situation and the ability to respond to the right location with the right personnel and right equipment.

For example, through Smart911, Emergency Medical Services can know about medical conditions, allergies and disabilities, facilitating precise life-saving treatment. Fire crews will know not only how many residents live at a home, but locations of bedrooms, those with special needs, even if there are pets on-premise. Police have instant access to details ranging from vehicle information for an accident or photos of children in the event of a missing child, which can dramatically improve their ability to respond and help citizens.

Each Smart911 Safety Profile is private, secure and only available to dispatchers during an emergency call. Also, because it is a national system, once a Safety Profile has been created, it can be delivered with a 9-1-1 call in any area of the country if the local 9-1-1 call center is supported by Smart911.

Smart911 is offered by Rave Mobile Safety, the trusted software partner for campus and public safety. It is the result of a public/private partnership endorsed by leading public safety and health officials throughout the U.S. and now helps emergency responders across 25 states protect millions. It is widely supported by advocacy groups including those representing deaf and hard of hearing communities such as the Arkansas Association for the Deaf and Tennessee-based Bridges. Smart911 has received many honors, most recently being awarded the “Parent Tested Parent Approved Winner’s Seal of Approval.”

“Smart911 displays additional data to 9-1-1 call takers and emergency responders that may improve responsiveness to citizens,” said Tom Axbey, CEO of Rave Mobile Safety. “Time is critical during emergencies, and for deaf or hard of hearing citizens, Smart911 provides that vital ability to communicate directly and quickly with 9-1-1. This reduces the chance of tragedy and saves lives, and we are particularly pleased during Deaf Awareness Week to bring some peace of mind to members of this community and their families.”

About Rave Mobile Safety
Rave Mobile Safety is the most trusted software partner for campus and public safety. Used by leading Institutes of Higher Education and State and Local Agencies, the award-winning portfolio of RaveAlert, RaveGuardian, Eyewitness, Smart911 and SmartPrepare enables millions to feel safe, secure and connected. Rave Mobile Safety is headquartered in Framingham, MA. For more information please visit www.ravemobilesafety.com

Smart911 Service Area Expands Across Tennessee

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Six Locations Now Part of the Rapidly Growing National Service for Enhancing Emergency Response

More than one million citizens across six counties in Tennessee now have access to Rave Mobile Safety’s Smart911, the national safety database, for enhanced emergency response. Wayne, Bedford, and Maury Counties are the latest to join Nashville-Davidson County, Crockett County and the City of Brentwood in providing the service to their citizens.

Public Safety officials in these locations recognized the benefit of having additional data on 9-1-1 calls and are encouraging citizens to create a Safety Profile for their household at www.Smart911.com. A Safety Profile can include the critical data that a citizen wants first responders to have in the event of an emergency call for service. Once created, when a citizen places a 9-1-1 call, their profile is automatically displayed at the answering PSAP, enabling emergency teams to better understand the situation and respond to the right location, with the right personnel and the right equipment.

“We’ve seen the success of Smart911 and the positive response from citizens in other areas of the state and country, so the decision to implement the service was easy,” said Freddie Rich, Director of Maury County 9-1-1. “In addition to allowing our call takers to better assist citizens, a Safety Profile also gives response teams in the field improved situational awareness.”

Each Safety Profile is private, secure and only available to dispatchers during an emergency call. It can include home or work addresses associated with mobile phone numbers, medical conditions and disabilities, photos of family members, floor-plans and other rescue information. Smart911 is a national network, therefore, anytime a citizen dials 9-1-1 across the country and their call is answered by a local Smart911 supported PSAP, their profile will be available.

“It’s a great benefit to know that our citizens can now be protected not only in the areas that our agency responds to, but in many other locations in Tennessee and across the U.S.,” said Phillip Noel, Director of Bedford County E911.

Duane Phillips, Director of Nashville Emergency Communications Center agreed: “The population in Nashville increases from 650,000 to over one million with commuters coming into the city for work. Each of these citizens can benefit from a Safety Profile as it travels with them from their home to their office – it has already saved lives in Tennessee.”

“Tennessee continues to set an example for public safety agencies by helping their responders provide their citizens with the best emergency services possible,” said Tom Axbey, President and CEO of Rave Mobile Safety. “Putting more information in the hands of emergency responders dramatically improves emergency outcomes and saves lives. While we are pleased with our growth, this is a public/private partnership, and public safety officials and advocacy groups deserve credit for overwhelmingly supporting this effort and continually striving to ensure that those they serve receive the greatest possible protection.”

About Rave Mobile Safety

Rave Mobile Safety is the most trusted software partner for campus and public safety. Used by leading Institutes of Higher Education and State and Local Agencies, the award-winning portfolio of RaveAlert, RaveGuardian, Eyewitness, Smart911 and SmartPrepare enables millions to feel safe, secure and connected. Rave Mobile Safety is headquartered in Framingham, MA. For more information please visit www.ravemobilesafety.com.