Picture this: Your house is on fire. You grab your phone, dial 911, and your mind goes blank. What’s your address? How many people are inside? Where are the kids’ bedrooms?

In that terrifying moment, you don’t have to remember. If you’ve signed up for Smart911, first responders already know.

“When someone calls 911, they’re often at the worst moment of their life,” said Patrick Waletzko, Otter Tail County emergency manager. “Smart911 helps our first responders help you faster, whether it’s a fire, medical emergency or severe weather.”

The free service lets residents create a safety profile that automatically pops up on a dispatcher’s screen when they call 911. Household members, medical conditions, pets, and accessibility needs —it’s all there. Take 10 minutes today to protect your family tomorrow

Available countywide since 2019, Smart911 does double duty: it not only streamlines emergency calls but also sends location-based alerts by phone, text, or email when severe weather, road closures, or public safety threats arise. Information remains private and is shared only with authorized emergency personnel when you dial 911.

Not just for households

Business owners and organization leaders can create detailed facility profiles through Rave Facility, Smart911’s companion service. Floor plans, utility shutoff locations, access codes, emergency contacts—when any phone in your building dials 911, responders see the full picture before they walk through the door.

Visit www.ottertailcounty.gov/smart911 for more information and to create a profile.