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From the Chief’s Corner: Connecting Safety: The Critical Role of 9-1-1 Inside Initiative in Community Risk Reduction

Chief Alan PerdueBy Chief Alan Perdue (ret.), SBC Executive Director

 Posted on August 28, 2024

As first responders, our foremost goal is to protect lives and ensure safety within our communities. In the context of public safety inside buildings, this objective highlights the importance of Community Risk Protection and the Safer Buildings Coalition’s call-to-action: “9-1-1 Inside.” I encourage you to join our movement to make buildings safer for everyone!
 
Imagine, for a moment, that a loved one finds themselves in an emergency situation inside a building with weak or nonexistent cellular coverage. In that critical moment, the inability to connect with emergency services via 9-1-1 could mean the difference between life and death. For individuals inside a wide variety of buildings — schools, offices, malls, train stations, sports venues, residential complexes, etc. — this nightmare scenario is all too real.  
 

"Inability to connect with emergency services via 9-1-1 could mean the difference between life and death."

This underscores the urgent need to prioritize and enhance in-building wireless communications infrastructure. At two recent major fire service organizations conferences, I posed a simple yet critical question during a presentation: “If people in your community can’t call 9-1-1 from inside a building when they need help, is that a risk?” The overwhelming response: a resounding “yes!” So, why this question? The simple answer is that many emergency services agencies across the country operate a Community Risk Reduction program.

Understanding Community Risk Reduction (CRR)
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) defines Community Risk Reduction as a “...process to identify and prioritize local risks, followed by the strategic investment of resources to reduce their occurrence and impact” (NFPA 1300). Within this framework, it is imperative to consider the role that in-building communication plays in ensuring public safety.

The Five E's of Community Risk Reduction
Central to effective CRR is the implementation of the Five E's: Education, Enforcement, Engineering, Emergency Response, and Economic Incentive.

Education: Altering the public's knowledge, attitudes, and awareness related to risk impact behaviors is crucial. We must educate our communities about the importance of having reliable means of communication in emergencies. Situational awareness is vital; individuals should know how to respond effectively if they need to call 9-1-1.

Enforcement: Often, education alone is insufficient; robust policy measures must enforce regulations that promote safer environments. Ensuring buildings comply with wireless communication standards is vital for public safety.

Engineering: Technological solutions are available to rectify inadequate cellular coverage. Investing in these technologies can significantly reduce risk and enhance safety.

Emergency Response: Our response capabilities are directly impacted by citizens' ability to connect with us. If we are disconnected, community safety diminishes.

Economic Incentive: Financial investments can drive the adoption of enhanced safety measures, including better in-building communications that everyone depends on.

The Universal Challenge of Inadequate Coverage
It’s important to recognize that the challenge of inadequate cellular coverage inside buildings transcends demographics and geography; it affects urban, rural, and suburban communities alike. Every individual deserves reliable access to emergency services.

"Every individual deserves reliable access to emergency services."

 
Getting Involved: The Role of the Safer Buildings Coalition
The Safer Buildings Coalition is making significant strides in promoting improved in-building wireless communication through initiatives like #911Inside. What can you do to help? I encourage you to join by dedicating our collective resources to raising public awareness about this critical issue and advocating for essential in-building infrastructure upgrades. Participation in these efforts can lead to safer, more prepared communities.

As I’ve emphasized before, "The most important thing in communication during an emergency is to hear what is being said." In a crisis, every second counts. Let’s all do our part to ensure that when an emergency arises, communication flows seamlessly to those who need to hear it most, ensuring help is on the way.

Conclusion: A Collective Effort for Enhanced Safety
Together, we can make a difference. Let’s prioritize enhancing wireless coverage in our buildings, create a more informed public, and ensure that every individual can reach the vital help they need in an emergency. Join the movement and support initiatives that prioritize safety in our communities. #feelsafeinside

 

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