Boone County News Release


Press Archives Press Room

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Chad Martin, Director or Joe Piper, Deputy Director
Phone: (573) 874-7400


September is National Preparedness Month

September 1, 2016

September marks the annual observance of “National Preparedness Month,” a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, and communities to take action and prepare themselves for emergencies.

Joint Communications Director Chad Martin urges residents to use Preparedness Month as an opportunity to register or update their free Smart911 accounts at www.smart911.com. Smart911 allows people to create a safety profile whereby vital information is accessible by 9-1-1 dispatchers during an emergency. Martin would also like to take this time to remind everyone when to use 9-1-1 and what to remember when talking to a 9-1-1 dispatcher.

When to use 9-1-1:

-Use for emergencies only. An emergency is any situation where police, fire, or emergency medical help is needed immediately.

-If you call 9-1-1 by mistake, don't hang up. Stay on the phone and tell the 9-1-1 dispatcher the call was accidental.

When calling 9-1-1:

-Do your best to remain calm.

-Know the address of your emergency.

-Know the phone number you're calling from.

-Answer all the questions the 9-1-1 dispatcher asks you. Each question has a purpose. Rest assured that help is being dispatched as quickly as possible, usually at the same time questions are being asked.

 

For non-emergency assistance call 573-442-6131.

 

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit the Boone County Office of Emergency Management's website at https://www.showmeboone.com/oem/.



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