The Westfield Fire Department launched a free app this week to allow residents to share information about their household to help fire personnel respond better in the event of an emergency.
Westfield Fire has been working with technology partner First Due to release Community Connect, an application focused on protecting residents and their property in the most effective way possible during an incident or major disaster. Users create a profile and enter property and occupant information, which is then made available to the department at the time of dispatch.
“Westfield Fire will utilize this data to save valuable time when emergency services are rendered,” said Westfield Fire Chief Rob Gaylor. “All information collected is secure and used in conjunction with other safety programs such as Smart 911, currently assisting Hamilton County residents. By signing up for Community Connect, we will gain a more complete picture of the emergency situation that we respond to and provide the best possible care for you, your family and business.”
Community Connect is voluntary and residents decide the information that they are comfortable sharing. Those details can include information about your property, the people living there, special needs and pets.
Bryan Kercheval is the first Westfield resident to sign up for Community Connect.
“The Westfield Community Connect program is a great tool for our community and our public safety responders,” Kercheval said. “As a former Westfield volunteer firefighter, I can tell you that those precious seconds and minutes do count in an emergency. If we as citizens can provide valuable information to public safety before an emergency occurs, then we can help them when responding to our homes during an emergency.”
In addition to the residential portal, Community Connect also helps business owners and property managers keep people at commercial properties safe by giving Westfield Fire access to critical documents such as evacuation procedures, occupant rosters, hazardous material lists and more. Additionally, designated contacts at properties that joined the program will receive immediate alerts via text message when First Responders are dispatched to the building address.
For more information, including registration, go to communityconnect.io/info/in-westfield.