New online form helps first responders better prepare for emergency calls

Oklahoma City has launched a new online Awareness Notification Form that allows residents and business owners to inform emergency responders about specific conditions at their property that may affect medical or public safety responses. 

Previously, residents could only share this information by speaking directly with a public safety officer. The new form links submitted details to a property’s address, allowing 911 dispatchers to send the most appropriate team to respond to the call. 

Examples include alerts about people on-site with hearing loss, light or sound sensitivity, limited mobility or behavioral health concerns. 

“The online Awareness Notification Form gives residents an easier, more convenient way to proactively notify us about conditions that exist at their location and expands our current suite of online tools for our residents,” said OKC Police Chief Ron Bacy. “Knowing about these conditions beforehand helps us to send the appropriate response when possible.” 

The goal is to reduce risk, improve communication and support the needs of residents during emergency calls. In some cases, it may lead to a quieter approach by first responders or the involvement of the Mobile Integrated Healthcare team. 

“Residents who experience mental and behavioral health symptoms themselves or have a loved one with mental or behavioral health symptoms living in the home can use this form to let us know about conditions such as sensitivity to loud sirens or flashing lights.” said OKC Fire Chief Richard Kelley. “This helps us better respond to emergency calls at that location, perhaps by sending a member of our Mobile Integrated Healthcare team or simply quieting sirens or turning off the flashing lights as we approach the location.” 

Kelley added that having the online form is one additional way the city is reshaping its approach to public safety through offering an alternative response for those experiencing mental or behavioral health issues. 

Frances Kersey, board president of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater OKC and member of OKC’s Crisis Intervention Advisory Group, said the form can help improve outcomes by giving dispatchers more information before responders arrive. 

“Providing an online Awareness Notification Form is a great example of the city listening to the needs of its residents and providing a tool that enables individuals to proactively inform first responders when an alternative response to a 911 call may be needed,” Kersey said. “When trained dispatchers have information about a mental or behavioral health situation prior to sending a response, they have the potential to de-escalate a situation before first responders arrive, resulting in better outcomes for the individual and the first responder.” 

The Awareness Notification Form is available at okc.gov/awareness-form. Submissions remain active for one year. Currently, the form is available in English, with plans to add Spanish and Vietnamese versions. 

Residents who are unable to complete the form online can contact the OKC Police Department at 405-297-1189 for assistance.