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Fire department outlines Community Connect sign‑up to speed emergency response
Summary
Fire department presenter Evan Fleming described Community Connect, a secure resident registration program that stores floor plans, medical needs, pet locations and contact details to help responders; the town did a soft launch with about 50 signups and plans expanded outreach and in‑person assistance for residents without internet access.
The Emerald Isle Fire Department presented Community Connect, a resident‑registration system intended to help first responders reach people faster and bring actionable information (floor plans, medical needs, pet info and access details) before arrival.
Evan Fleming (speaker 2), a firefighter‑paramedic, said the program stores bedroom locations, access points, utility shutoff locations, medical and functional needs and pet information, and can send evacuation alerts to signed‑up residents. "It's completely secure and encrypted," he said, and encouraged residents and vacation rental managers to register via QR code, printed materials or in‑person assistance at the fire station for those without internet access.
Fleming said the town has about 3,500 full‑time residents and can reach up to 50,000 people during peak summer weekends; staff are prioritizing full‑time residents and outreach to geriatric populations and the tourism/hospitality sector. He said the department had about 50 signups after a soft launch at the St. Patrick's Day festival and plans to use brochures, HOA meetings and social media to raise participation.
Commissioners asked about alternatives for residents without internet; Fleming said people may come to the fire station and staff on each shift can sign them up. Commissioners suggested additional print and in‑person outreach at HOA meetings, and staff agreed to provide periodic reports on signups and program performance.
