Asheville Fire Department rolls out platform to better engage residents to prepare for emergency situations

Community Connect webpage screenshot

The Asheville Fire Department has been working closely with technology partner First Due to release Community Connect, a website focused on protecting residents and their property in the most effective way possible during an incident or major disaster.

Community Connect is a secure, easy-to-use website that allows residents to share critical information about their household in order to aid first responders and emergency service personnel to respond more efficiently and effectively with the goal of ultimately resulting in better incident outcomes.

Community Connect is completely voluntary. Residents are individually able to decide what information they are comfortable sharing, such as if there is a disabled or functional-needs person who lives in the residence.

People can simply create a profile, then enter critical property and occupant information, which is then made available to public safety agencies at the time of dispatch. Data provided by residence within Community Connect is 100% secure and is used only for the purpose of better serving our residents during emergency situations.

“When responding to a residence, there is often critical information that would assist in how we respond to that incident,” said Division Chief Dan Flinn. “Letting us know who the best point of contact is in case of an emergency, if yourself or family members have functional needs that we should prepare for or even if you have any pets you’d like us to know about, can really help us serve you in the most effective and caring way possible when it matters most.”

Community Connect is now available for Asheville residents to create profiles and begin to use.

About First Due

First Due is on a mission to end first responder and citizen injuries due to a lack of information. First Due is focused on providing solutions for Fire and EMS agencies and the Communities they serve, all with the goal of ensuring optimum preparedness for disaster situations.

For more information about Community Connect, please visit this link or contact 828-259-5636.