Beth writes in…

PLEASE HELP: My newly-adopted doggie Junebug ran away during our walk this afternoon (4/30) on Drexel Avenue in Decatur. A couple of people in the neighborhood think they’ve seen her a few times. She might have chewed through the flexi-leash that she was dragging behind her when she ran; if not, it has a black plastic handle that clatters behind her and scared her (it’s why she ran). She is wearing a red collar and a purple walking harness. She’s microchipped and spayed, and has her ID tags on her collar. She’s also on a course of antibiotics and needs her latest dose soon. She’s very timid and only joined our household less than a week ago, so she’s new to the area and hasn’t had enough time to fully bond with us. But if you can coax her out, she’s never shown any aggression toward other dogs, cats, kids, or adults (her foster mommy vouches for that), so she’s absolutely safe to approach. Even if you just see her, please call 404-783-0953. Thanks very much for keeping an eye out, we’re sick with worry and hoping to get her back home and safe very soon.

The City of Decatur website announces the arrival of Smart911, a service now being offered by the city, which “allows residents to create a safety profile of vital personal and household data, including household members, photos, medications or medical conditions and even pets, which will be displayed to 911 call takers immediately when a resident places an emergency call.”

Here’s a bit more…

This safety profile provides more extensive information than is currently available on incoming calls and can contain the specific details that first responders can use to save lives.

Decatur Fire Chief Toni Dixon notes that Smart911 enhances communication with residents and also assists in locating them. “Knowing who is living in the house, the medications they may be on, and even pets that may be in the residence allows us to respond to emergencies much more effectively,” she says. “In times of duress it can be difficult for a resident to provide us with all the information we could use. Now, if they have a Smart911 profile, that information will be available immediately.”

Smart911 is a free service available to all residents and business owners and is private and secure. Safety profiles can be created through the Smart911 website, www.Smart911.com. The service has the added benefit of being a National Safety Database, giving residents the ability to have their information travel with them. While they may create their profile in their hometown, if they dial 911 anywhere in the country where the Smart911 service is active, their profile will be available to 911 call takers. Smart911 has been rapidly adopted over the last year and is now being used in more than 20 states, protecting more than five million citizens.

For more information about Smart911 email toni.dixon@decaturga.com or call 404-373-5092.

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