Fort Myers, FL - The Fort Myers Fire Department ‍has announced today the expansion of Community Connect, a secure platform allowing residents to voluntarily share critical life-safety information about their home and family which is then made available to First Responders at the time of dispatch.  The expansion includes new features designed to help business owners and managers keep people at their properties safe, now giving First Responders access to critical documents such as evacuation procedures, occupant rosters, hazardous material lists and more. Additionally, designated contacts at properties that joined the program will receive immediate alerts via text message when First Responders are dispatched to the building address. The tools aim to ultimately create a more efficient and effective response to any incident or major disaster, resulting in better outcomes and a safer community.  

Commercial oriented features will build on the current Community Connect platform that includes information regarding structural details, occupants with functional needs, children, and pets. The goal behind getting Fort Myers businesses, apartment complexes, age care facilities, schools and more will be to shave down response times when seconds count, and provide an elevated standard of care when arriving on scene.

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“We hope that by allowing our residents to participate in their own risk reduction, it will make a measurable impact in the case that there is an emergency. We have seen Community Connect programs like ours in Florida and throughout the US grow to include commercial properties and it’s had a great effect on the overall safety and preparedness of those communities.” Battalion Chief David Jacobs explains.

The Fort Myers Fire Department encourages both residents and businesses alike to take advantage of the program and set aside 5 minutes to create a profile. Data security is of the utmost priority and all information  provided by residents and business owners within Community Connect is 100% secure and is used only for the purpose of better serving community members during an emergency situation.

“We hope in the coming months and years this program can move the needle for the standard of care we provide to our neighbors” Chief Jacobs summarizes. “We’re excited to continue to transform public safety into a team effort for residents and first responders.”

To learn more about the program and to create a profile, please visit Fort Myers Community Connect.

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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 optimal preparedness for disaster situations.

Media Contact:

Ron Kanter
Head of Growth
+1 (516) 428-4323
ron@firstduesizeup.com

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About Fort Myers Fire Department

Our fire department has close to 120 years of protecting life and property guided by our strong tradition and sense of pride that continues to drive our staff members towards excellence in honing the craft of firefighting and rescue services. 

We serve nearly80,000 city residents within a 50-square mile area, providing critical fire suppression, advanced life support, and marine emergency response services. In addition, FMFD is the Region 6 lead response team for hazardous materials incidents within Lee County and neighboring counties. 

 
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Press & Media Kit

To see press and media assets for Fort Myer's launch of Community Connect, please see the program's files & downloads page.