Beyond the Dais - The Stories of El Paso County
The Critical Role of 911 Services and Community Engagement in El Paso County, Colorado
In this week's episode of "Beyond the Dais", host Scott Anderson delved into the vital role of 9-1-1 services and community engagement in El Paso County, Colorado. Joined by Ben Bills, the Public Information Officer of the El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority, the discussion shed light on various programs and initiatives aimed at promoting public safety and preparedness.
The Role of the 911 Authority: Ben Bills spoke about the mission of the 9-1-1 Authority, emphasizing its role in providing equipment, training, and support to the seven different 9-1-1 centers in El Paso and Teller County. The aim is to ensure that all 9-1-1 dispatchers are well-equipped and trained to handle emergency calls effectively. Bills highlighted the significance of the emergency telephone charge customers see on their phone bill, which funds the equipment in the 9-1-1 centers, ensuring that they maintain standardized services across the region.
The Importance of Peak Alerts: One of the key highlights of the discussion was the conversation about Peak Alerts, an emergency notification system used in El Paso and Teller counties. Bills emphasized the critical function of Peak Alerts in notifying the public about impending emergencies that may impact their safety or property. It was underscored that residents can receive alerts via phone calls, text messages, and emails by signing up for the service on the Peak Alerts website. Bills stressed the significance of multiple points of contact, ensuring individuals receive alerts through various channels, especially during network congestion or infrastructure issues. Furthermore, Bills encouraged residents to look out for one another, particularly the elderly, stressing the importance of community preparedness during emergencies.
Community Outreach Programs: The El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority conducts various programs in schools and communities, aiming to educate and engage residents about emergency preparedness. Bills discussed the first and third-grade programs designed to teach children about appropriate 9-1-1 use and safety. Additionally, the 9-1-1 mobile classroom allows the Authority to reach more individuals at community and safety-themed events. Bills underlined the ease of scheduling these presentations through the Authority’s website, fostering broader public awareness and preparedness.
Partnerships and Collaborations: An additional highlight of the conversation centered on the collaborative efforts between the 9-1-1 Authority, law enforcement agencies, and fire departments. Bills emphasized that partnerships ensure consistency in emergency response and communication across municipalities, fostering a trusted and cohesive approach to public safety. The podcast shed light on the multifaceted engagement, including participation in events hosted by law enforcement agencies and fire departments, highlighting the comprehensive approach taken to reach and educate the community.
A Call to Action for Community Preparedness: The conversation concluded with a call to action for community members to proactively engage in emergency preparedness. Bills reinforced the importance of acquiring essential preparedness information, especially in regions prone to natural disasters. He urged listeners to visit the County and City websites and the Office of Emergency Management website to access vital preparedness information.
As evident from the discussion, the El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority plays a pivotal role in ensuring public safety and emergency preparedness in El Paso and Teller counties. Through their multifaceted programs, emphasis on community engagement, and partnerships with local agencies, the 9-1-1 Authority strives to empower residents to be proactive and prepared in the face of potential emergencies.