Let’s face it, life is hard! As I get older, I find that so many things are becoming more difficult than they used to be. It’s frustrating because mentally I feel much younger than my body tells me I am. When I stand up, I have to stand for a minute to adjust to the new position or I’m too stiff to move. I walk into a room on a mission to get something…and then promptly forget why I’m there! I walk a short distance and find I need a break before I can continue. Those things are happening more and more often, and it’s frustrating.
That is why I think it is so smart to plan ahead. When life changes, we may need a few tools that help us stay ready. One of the nice things I’ve done for myself recently is to create a Smart911 profile. It’s something we’ve been promoting here at Disability Network Lakeshore because we know it can save lives. Smart911 is a national database of information that is provided to first responders when a call comes into 911 from a participant’s phone. The first responders are connected to the caller’s profile which contains information the caller has entered into the database.
I like the idea of Smart911 because I control what information my record contains. I can add as much or as little data about myself as I want. That matters to me. Some people want to share a lot. Some want to share only a little. Either way, the choice is yours. I listed my blood type, and the names of my two dogs so if a first responder had to come into my home, s/he would have that information if I couldn’t provide it at the moment.
That kind of information can be very helpful in an emergency. If someone cannot speak clearly, is confused, or is too upset to think straight, the right facts can save time. First responders may need to know who lives in the home, what pets are there, what medicines a person takes, or where to find someone in the house. Smart911 can help share those details right away.
It takes a while to create a profile, usually about an hour and a half. That may sound like a lot, but it helps to think of it as time well spent. You do not have to finish it all at once. You can sit down, gather your papers, and work through it step by step. It may be easier if you have a list ready before you start. For example, you might collect:
- medical conditions or disabilities you want to share
- how those disabilities affect you
- medications you take
- allergies
- family member names and phone numbers
- pet names
- directions to your home
You can list what disabilities you have and how they affect you. Or enter all the medications you’re on. There is a place for listing the names of your family members, and even information about your pets. You can put in specific directions to your home or add a list of your allergies.
Think about how helpful that could be if you were unable to explain things for yourself. Maybe you use a wheelchair and need responders to know there is a ramp at the back door. Maybe you have a severe allergy and want that seen right away. Maybe you have a dog that gets nervous around strangers, so first responders should know before they come in. Small details can make a big difference.
It can also help to keep your information simple and clear. Use short notes. Put in the facts that matter most. If your needs change, you can update your profile. That is another reason I like it. Life changes, and your emergency information should change too.
If you don’t have access to a computer, or if you fear you won’t be able to master entering all the information, please call Disability Network Lakeshore for assistance. We’d be glad to sit down with you at one of our computers and enter the information as you dictate it so you have a profile too. Call Disability Network Lakeshore at 616.396.5326.
If you are not sure where to start, that is okay. A lot of people feel unsure when they try something new, especially if it has to do with forms or technology. You do not need to do it alone. Sometimes it helps to have someone read the questions with you and explain what each part means. At DNL, we can do that. Our services are free, and we are here to help people build the tools they need to stay safer and more independent.
Even if you already have a Smart911 profile, it may be worth taking a few minutes to look it over. Ask yourself if the information is still current. Do you have a new medication? Has your phone number changed? Did you move? Do you want to add a new emergency contact? A quick review now can make the profile more useful later.
Planning ahead is not always easy. But it is one of the smartest things we can do for ourselves and the people who care about us. When we prepare now, we may save time, reduce stress, and make a hard moment a little easier.
Our World still has barriers for people with disabilities.
Whether you're an individual or a company, searching for disability resources is discouraging and frustrating. And when you don't have the right tools, individuals and communities suffer. Wouldn't you like to live in an inclusive community where everyone can participate, contribute, and belong?
That is why simple planning tools matter. They help people get the right support when they need it. They can also help family members and caregivers feel more ready. For many people, emergency planning is not just a good idea. It is part of living with more peace of mind.
The right resources are hard to find. We get it.
We understand how it feels to struggle to fully participate in an inaccessible community, which is why we help people find and use disability resources. Sometimes the hardest part is not wanting help. It is knowing where to begin. A smart step can be as small as making one phone call, asking one question, or setting aside one hour to gather information.
If you are helping a loved one, you can also use the same idea. Sit down together. Talk through what should be included. Make a list of needs and make sure the facts are easy to understand. The goal is not to share everything. The goal is to share the right things.
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