Community Resources

Smart911® – Help First Responders Help Your Loved One

When you call 911, the dispatcher only knows what you are able to communicate during that emergency. Smart911 allows you to create a free, secure safety profile that provides additional information to 911 dispatchers and first responders when you call from a registered phone.

Kent County residents can voluntarily create a Smart911 profile that includes important information about a loved one with autism or other disabilities. This information can help emergency personnel better understand an individual's communication style, sensory needs, behaviors, medical conditions, and emergency contacts.

A Smart911 profile can include:

• Communication preferences (verbal, non-speaking, AAC device, etc.)

• Sensory sensitivities or triggers

• Behaviors that may occur during times of stress

• Calming strategies that work well

• Medical conditions and medications

• Emergency contacts

• Home address and household information

• Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers

• Recent photographs

Creating a Smart911 profile is free, secure, and can be updated at any time.

If you move, change phone numbers, or your loved one's needs change, be sure to update your profile.

Please note: A Smart911 profile is only available to emergency responders if you call 911 from a phone number that is linked to your Smart911 account. Be sure to register all phones that may be used during an emergency (home, mobile, and caregiver phones).

Tips for Families Completing a Smart911 Profile

The more helpful information you provide, the better prepared first responders can be during an emergency. Consider including:

Personal Information

• Recent photograph

• Physical description (height, weight, hair color, eye color)

• Date of birth

• Home address

Communication

• Whether the person is verbal, minimally speaking, or non-speaking

• How they communicate (speech, gestures, letter board, AAC device, communication app, etc.)

• Whether they understand spoken directions

• Best ways to communicate with them

Autism-Specific Information

• Sensory sensitivities (lights, sirens, touch, loud voices)

• Behaviors that may occur when frightened or overwhelmed

• Whether they may run or wander

• Repetitive behaviors that are typical for them

• Favorite calming techniques or comfort items

Medical Information

• Diagnoses

• Medications

• Allergies

• Seizure history or other medical concerns

Safety Information

• Emergency contacts

• Caregivers or family members

• Preferred hospital (if applicable)

• Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers

• Places the individual may go if they leave home (favorite parks, relatives, familiar businesses, etc.)

Helpful Tips for First Responders

Consider including short statements such as:

• "Please speak calmly and allow extra time for responses."

• "Avoid sudden physical contact unless necessary for safety."

• "May not respond to their name."

• "May avoid eye contact."

• "Can become overwhelmed by loud noises or flashing lights."

• "Parent/caregiver can help interpret communication."

• "Do not mistake lack of eye contact or delayed responses as noncompliance."

Review your Smart911 profile at least once each year and update it whenever important information changes.

➡️ Create your Smart911 Profile:‍ ‍https://www.smart911.com/