Program to Provide Safe Alternative To Those In Need

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By Marlana Smith

  As part of Shelby County’s mapping system, they recently gained access to a program called PreparedLive.

  Shelby County 911 Director Stacy Helmick said this program allows 911 to send a text message with a link to a caller’s cell phone. When the caller clicks the link provided it gives the 911 dispatcher the ability to communicate through text message, pictures or video, if necessary, in the event the caller may be in a dangerous situation and can’t talk, such as a domestic, active shooter or break-in etc. When the call ends, the link is broken and cannot be accessed again unless a new link is sent.

  Helmick said this is at no extra cost to the county or residents and there no need to sign up for it.

  “This program coincides with our RapidSOS map and What3Words programs, both of which are also at no cost to us or the community,” Director Helmick explained.

  At this time, the county does not have the capability to accept initial text messages from a caller, but they can send a link to initiate text messaging. Meaning an individual cannot text to 911, but 911 can text to them to initiate a conversation. That will be changing as the county moves closer to implementing the NextGen 911 programs being provided by a regional grant that has been awarded to Shelby County and others through the Missouri 911 Board.

  “This program can make a huge difference for our citizens in providing a safe alternative to reaching out for help when it is unsafe to talk,” Helmick said. “We also send out a text message link when we receive a hang up 911 call from a cell phone.”

  Below is a sample of what that text will look like. By clicking the link provided, individuals will be communicating directly with a 911 dispatcher.

  This is what that initial text would look like:

911: Go Live with Shelby County E911 (MO) by clicking on this link:https://live.preparedapp.com/12345