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1. What exactly is Smart911?

Smart911 is a free service provided to all residents of Luzerne County.  You can create a free profile by going to their website: www.smart911.com .  When you dial 9-1-1 from a landline or cell phone, the information that you have provided will populate to the dispatcher.  Any information pertinent to your call, will be provided to the responders when necessary.

2. What information would I put in that could benefit me or a family member?

The great thing about Smart911 is that it allows you as the profile creator to put endless information into the profile of the phone number associated with the account.  Some scenarios or situations that can benefit you and your family:

• Medical History - If you cannot speak to 9-1-1 operators because of a serious medical condition, they would be able to see that you have that condition and send a more appropriate response including police if they need entry into the house.  Medication list, allergies or any special requests (like Hospital preference or Doctor's name) can be placed in the profile.
• List of all Family Members - If a fire occurred at your residence, 9-1-1 can relay to responders how many family members should be accounted for.  Pictures of all members can be uploaded as well, which could also aid responders if a family member was missing.  Yes, you can also upload pets tool!
• You can build profiles for Elderly or Sick Friends and Family who cannot keep their own profile themselves, but may still be able to dial 9-1-1.  This could also be beneficial for persons who are not computer savvy and do not use the internet as well.

3. Who can see my information after I create a profile?

No one in Luzerne County or at the 9-1-1 center can see or access your profile information UNLESS you dial 9-1-1 and it presents to a calltaker's screen. The information is kept on a secure server, and can only be viewed when you dial 9-1-1.

4. Doesn't 9-1-1 see all of my information when I call anyway?

If you dial 9-1-1 from a landline (a house phone), the owner's address information may populate to a dispatcher which can aid in location of the caller.  However, when calling from a cell phone (mobile), 9-1-1 does not get any type of name, address or any other type of ownership information.  9-1-1 will at the minimum, receive the coordinates of the tower that your signal is hitting (known as Phase I).  Most newer model cell phones will allow cell phone carriers to send 9-1-1 more precise coordinates, known as Phase II.  This location is more specific to your location, but may not be exact.

When a Smart911 profile is created, the information you have added will populate to the dispatchers and allow a quicker confirmation of your location and gives the dispatchers vital information at their fingertips.