Webster 911 urges residents to be proactive in emergency preparedness
Understanding your location, health info and address can save lives
Webster Parish 911 telecommunicators handle hundreds of emergency calls each day, and knowing the exact location of the incident can significantly reduce response times. While technology is available to help pinpoint a caller’s location, it may take several seconds to a couple of minutes, depending on the phone service. That’s why Webster 911 officials urge residents to be aware of their surroundings and call from the location of the emergency when it is safe to do so.
Your 911 address and the ability to describe nearby landmarks or cross streets can make all the difference in how quickly help arrives.
Emergency Health Profile helps responders prepare
Webster Parish residents can now create a free Emergency Health Profile at emergencyprofile.org to share critical medical information with 9-1-1. This opt-in service, made possible through a partnership between RapidSOS and organizations such as the American Heart Association and American Red Cross, helps first responders access potentially life-saving details before arriving on scene.
Residents can include information such as pre-existing conditions, allergies, medications, and emergency contacts. Webster Parish 911 became RapidSOS Ready in 2021, enabling telecommunicators to use the RapidSOS Portal to access this secure information and more accurate location data.
Proper address display is critical
Clear and accurate address signage is another essential factor in emergency response. The Webster Parish Communications District is responsible for assigning physical E-911 addresses to all structures in the parish. This process can often be completed the same day, though it may take up to five days in more complex cases.
A properly addressed and clearly marked structure helps emergency responders locate homes more efficiently. As quickly as emergencies can develop, a few extra minutes spent looking for an address can drastically affect the outcome.
According to local ordinance, address numbers on rural houses must be at least four inches high (preferably six), reflective, and visible from the road. If the house is more than 60 feet from the road, a yard marker with the house number must be placed at the edge of the driveway.
Avoiding unintentional 911 hang-up calls
Angie Chapman, executive director of Webster Parish 911, also reminds the public that hang-up calls, which are especially common during summer months, require response if the dispatcher cannot verify the caller’s safety. Many of these accidental dials occur when children play with phones or when adults working outside activate emergency dialing features unintentionally.
“Every time a 911 call is disconnected and we can’t get confirmation of safety, we have to send emergency personnel to check it out,” said Chapman during a recent Webster Parish Police Jury meeting. “It uses valuable time and resources.”
911 careers: More than answering phones
The district continues to hire full-time E-911 telecommunicators. These professionals are trained to handle both call-taking and dispatch responsibilities and work 12-hour shifts in a 24-hour call center.
Webster Parish 911 telecommunicators play a vital role in preserving life and property throughout the community. For more information about address requests, Emergency Health Profiles, or employment opportunities, visit webster911.org.