The Sterling Fire Department has launched a new software program called Sterling Community Connect to help firefighters and first responders save time and lives during emergency calls. Deputy Fire Chief David Northcutt and Administrative Assistant Angelica Dornes demonstrated the software on Friday. It allows residents to share important information about their homes and businesses, such as the number of occupants, pets, utility shutoff locations, and contact details.
“It also allows us to know if someone is bedridden and what side of the house their bedroom is on,” Northcutt said. This information helps with pre-planning as responders head to the scene. The software provides an overhead satellite view of the property with symbols showing key locations and shared information.
“Now, we know exactly where utilities are located as we approach the scene,” Northcutt added. Participation is voluntary, and residents can create their profile online.
Sterling Fire shares important data
According to First Due, the company behind the software, the information is securely protected with bank-level encryption. Dornes explained how Community Connect integrates with the department’s smoke alarm program. Residents can request a smoke alarm installation online, and the request goes directly to the department.
The system is only accessible to homes and businesses within Sterling’s jurisdiction. Other communities, like Rock Falls, will also implement similar systems. Northcutt and Dornes encourage residents to participate.
“We’re anxious to get people to start sending this information so we can make our responses quicker and better,” Northcutt said. The Sterling Fire Department continues to seek innovative ways to serve the community and believes Sterling Community Connect will significantly enhance its emergency response efforts.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
