A new online tool is helping Grand Bay-Westfield Fire-Rescue crews access key information before they arrive at an emergency.
The system, called Community Connect, allows residents and business owners to create a secure profile linked to their address.
The goal is to give firefighters better situational awareness and help them respond more effectively during emergencies.
When a 911 call comes in, any available profile information is automatically sent to tablets in the department’s vehicles.
“Any address that has filled out a Community Connect profile will be flagged to let us know that additional information is there, and it just helps us,” Fire Chief Troy Gautreau said.
Gautreau added that the profiles can include anything that might assist firefighters during an emergency.
“It can be things as simple as gate codes, how many people are in the home, any pets, any special hazards that might be there,” he said.
“This might be a little bit more relevant for businesses, but it can also apply to homes as well.”
The program is open to both homeowners and business owners in the Grand Bay-Westfield area.
All information shared through Community Connect is voluntary and kept private. Participants can choose what to include and update their profiles at any time.
