OTERO
Emergency Alert Program
Welcome to Otero County's tool for providing residents with direct emergency and non-emergency information. Otero County Emergency Alert Program is a county service that supplies residents with text messages, phone calls and/or e-mail alerts for incidents/conditions such as severe weather emergencies, hazardous materials, traffic impacts, etc. Preparedness and being informed is key in an emergency. Otero County urges residents to subscribe to receive alerts sent directly to mobile phones or email accounts to stay informed.
Smart911 is a supplemental data service that allows you to create a safety profile that can be seen by emergency responders when you call 911. Smart911 is currently up and running in all of Otero County. You can sign up today at Smart911.com.
Go to Smart911.com and click "Sign Up." Then, when you call 911 from a registered phone number, that profile will be displayed at the 911 center. The data is secure and is only available to emergency service personnel when you call 911.
How does Smart911 work?
Go to Smart911.com and click "Sign Up." Then, when you call 911 from a registered phone number, your Safety Profile will be displayed at the 911 center. The data is secure and is only available to emergency service personnel when you call 911.
Who should create a safety profile?
Anyone can create a safety profile. Those that are especially encouraged to register are people with medical or disability information. Wireless phone users are also encouraged, as wireless phone calls to 911 only provide a general location of the caller, not an exact address. Registering your home, school, and work addresses (including apartment and room numbers) can help responders locate you more easily.
Can I register my family members?
You are encouraged to create a safety profile that includes everyone in your household. You can also create safety profiles on behalf of elderly parents, those with disabilities, or anyone not comfortable with computers, designating yourself as the primary contact.
What kind of information can I list in my Safety Profile?
You can include as little or as much information in your profile as you like. Information may include address, medical and security information. This service is voluntary, so you decide what information you want emergency responders to know about you when you call 911.
How long does it take to create a Safety Profile?
Setting up a profile can take as little as ten minutes, depending on how much information you wish to provide. You can always go back and update existing, or add additional information to your profile.
What if English is not my primary language?
You can create a safety profile in multiple languages and specify your primary language. When your profile displays at the 911 center it will be translated back into English. If an interpreter is required, the 911 call taker will be able to see which language you designated as your primary language.
Once I've registered do I need to do anything else?
The more up-to-date your information is, the better. Smart911 prompts registered users to verify their information every six months. However, you should update your profile anytime there is any change to your information.
Is there a cost to register for Smart911?
There is no cost to create a safety profile with Smart911. MVRDA is providing this enhanced level of service with funding from Otero County and the incorporated municipalities.
Is my information secure?
Smart911 utilizes the latest in physical and computer security technologies and conducts regular audits to ensure all information held in Smart911 is kept secure, and only made available to 911 and field responders when you call 911.