The Milton Fire-Rescue Department invites residents and business owners to make use of Community Connect – a special new program that could save people’s lives, pets, and property.

Milton is believed to be one of two Georgia cities to use Community Connect, though many others nationwide have already seen its benefits. With it, dispatched firefighters can go to a location knowing information that could save them critical moments in an emergency.

To learn more and register, go to www.miltonga.gov/CommunityConnect.

Using that link, anyone who lives in and/or works at a Milton property can input details such as:

• Phone numbers and emails for any occupants. This way, if a fire is reported at that residence, firefighters can contact you easily.
• The names, dispositions, and other facts about your pets.
• Whether anyone has any unique needs, limitations, or anything else a first responder would be better off knowing before arriving on scene.
• If burn permits have been issued for a property (perhaps explaining any outdoor smoke).
• Entry codes or key locations, so firefighters can get into a locked house without having to break down a door or window.
• Water and gas line shut-off locations.

All information provided as part of this free, voluntary tool is completely confidential. Firefighters only see it if they’re responding to a scene in an emergency (and never for any other purpose). Community Connect lets them know in advance things like how many children live in your house, where your dog sleeps, if anyone uses a wheelchair, designated family meeting places, and more.

The account owner can update their profile at any time (perhaps, for example, when they have a new cat or a changed phone number), with each account connected to an email address. Beyond signing up yourself, Milton Fire-Rescue encourages people to spread the word about this important program to others in the city.

Community Connect aligns firmly with the Fire department’s emphasis of resilience, preparedness, and mitigation. Having details shared by property owners, along with other publicly accessible information like floor plans and overhead images, can help firefighters be ready to provide the best, fastest possible response.

“Knowing little details in advance can make a big difference in an emergency,” said Fire Chief Gabe Benmoussa. “We urge all our property owners to take advantage of this simple, remarkable tool to help them and our first responders.”