Smart911: A Simple Tool That Helps First Responders Help Faster
When seconds matter, the information available to a 9-1-1 call taker can make a critical difference. The Smart911 application is a free public-safety tool that allows residents and businesses to create a secure Safety Profile that automatically provides additional details to emergency dispatchers when they call 9-1-1.
For Louisiana’s life safety and property protection professionals, Smart911 represents an important opportunity to help customers strengthen their emergency preparedness beyond the alarm panel.
Smart911 allows users to create a Safety Profile that is displayed to participating 9-1-1 centers when a registered phone number calls for help. This profile can include addresses, medical conditions, emergency contacts, household members, pets, access instructions, and other details that responders may need before arriving on scene.
Because dispatchers often receive limited information—especially from mobile callers—having pre-entered data available during an emergency can improve response accuracy and speed.
Users control exactly what information they share. A Smart911 Safety Profile may include:
- Names and photos of household members
- Medical conditions, allergies, or medications
- Mobility limitations or disabilities
- Gate codes, hidden driveways, or access notes
- Emergency contacts and caregiver information
- Vehicle descriptions
- Pets and service animals
- Floor plans or location details for businesses ([Erie, CO][3])
This information is only displayed to authorized emergency personnel when a registered phone calls 9-1-1.
Many alarm users assume monitoring centers and emergency dispatch already have detailed information about their homes or businesses. In reality, dispatchers often receive only a phone number and approximate location from a wireless call.
Smart911 helps bridge that gap by ensuring responders know critical details immediately—even if the caller cannot communicate clearly due to stress, injury, or safety concerns.
This can be especially valuable for:
- Seniors living alone
- Families with children
- Individuals with medical conditions
- Customers with disabilities or mobility challenges
- Businesses with after-hours access procedures
- Facilities with service animals or pets onsite ([New Castle County][6])
In many jurisdictions, Smart911 also provides opt-in emergency alerts such as severe weather warnings, evacuations, traffic incidents, and public safety notifications delivered by text, email, or voice message.
These alerts help residents stay informed before and during emergencies—not just when they call 9-1-1.
Life safety and property protection professionals are in a unique position to introduce Smart911 to customers during system installations, service visits, and monitoring discussions.
Encouraging customers to create a Safety Profile reinforces the message that protection goes beyond equipment—it includes preparation, communication, and coordination with first responders.
Smart911 is free to use, available nationwide in participating jurisdictions, and profiles travel with the user when calling 9-1-1 from registered phone numbers in supported areas.
Creating a Smart911 Safety Profile typically takes only a few minutes, but the information it provides can help dispatchers send the right resources faster and more safely when an emergency occurs.
For LLSSA members, recommending Smart911 is a simple way to extend the value of every system you install—and help protect the people and communities you serve.