New form helps first responders get to emergencies efficiently

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — It's now going to be easier for Oklahoma City Police officers to learn about the conditions inside a person's home or business before they get to an emergency. The department said it will help officers appropriately respond when needed.

"If they think that it's something that will help the response be better or safer for officers and for the resident, then to go ahead and fill it out," said Captain Valerie Littlejohn, a PIO at the Oklahoma City Police Department.

The new online awareness notification form is geared to help first responders in an emergency.

"For example, medical conditions. If someone lives at an address that may be hard of hearing or can't see very well or mobility issues...that way we have that note on the call that they may not be able to answer the door for us or hear the doorbell," said Littlejohn.

Oklahoma City Police said it can also help them determine if someone is sensitive to light or sound, and when they're responding to a scene, they wouldn't use sirens or flash the lights.

In some cases, it also makes getting to the emergency a little easier.

"If you're at an address and there's certain instructions to access the property or if it's hard to locate," said Littlejohn.

After the form is filled out, the department will review the form and add a note to the address in their database.

"That way when someone calls 911 and first responders are going to an address, it will show on that call what that notification is when we're responding," said Littlejohn.

Each form is only valid for one year and has to be updated after that.

If you aren't able to complete the form, you can call OKCPD at (405) 297-1189.

The link to the online version is okc.gov/awareness-form.