Lafourche Parish, March
30, 2020 – As Lafourche Parish
prepares for and responds to the spread of the coronavirus, public health and safety
officials are strongly encouraging the community to sign up for the Smart911
national safety profile registry, a free service that allows individuals and
families to provide critical medical information to 9-1-1 and first responders.
Lafourche Parish Communications District is launching the “Take Control, Let Us
Know” campaign to empower the community to take action, and provide valuable
and accurate health data that increases the awareness of 9-1-1, first
responders, and Emergency Management to an individual’s risk level for coronavirus.

Members of our community
are looking for ways to improve the safety of their families, friends and
neighbors as the coronavirus spreads. By signing up for Smart911, individuals
can help first responders get the key information they need about every person
who may need assistance, not only during this outbreak, but during any
emergency.

Individuals can create a Smart911 Safety Profile for their household at www.smart911.com or on the Smart911 App  that provides critical medical information for those who may be at higher risk of developing a serious COVID-19 illness. As identified by the CDC, the vulnerable population includes older adults, and those with a history of chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, respiratory conditions, and compromised immune systems. When an individual calls 9-1-1, their Smart911 Safety Profile is automatically displayed, allowing our public safety agencies to send emergency response teams to the right location with enhanced medical data.

Individuals can additionally
self-identify if they are under quarantine, and whether it is self-imposed or
directed by a health professional. The Smart911 App allows quarantined
individuals to receive check-in messages on their health status. Smart911 also
allows individuals to sign up for alerts from Louisiana Department of Health
officials to receive reliable information about the changing coronavirus situation.
Individuals who sign up will also receive tailored alerts based on their
specific needs and geographic location. With enhanced coronavirus awareness, individuals
and first responders have vital information to take proper precautions.

“As the coronavirus continues to be a major public health concern,
we are doing everything we can to prepare, respond, and mitigate risk to those
in our community who need assistance,” said Valerie Adams, Administrative
Assistant. “The information provided in a Smart911 Safety Profile enables us to
know who is at the greatest risk in our
community. We can provide individuals with critical updates based on their
location and health history. Ultimately, Smart911 gives our community the
chance to be proactive, and lets us know who requires our services. We urge the
residents of Lafourche Parish to take action, sign up for Smart911, and help us
address the coronavirus outbreak.”

To sign up, visit www.smart911.com
or download the Smart911 app in the Apple Store or Google
Play.