Local

New program aims to help Lake County resident during emergencies

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Residents in Lake County now have the option to sign up for a new program that meant to help during emergencies.

The Smart 911 program provides emergency responders with critical information during a time of emergency, according to officials.

"It's important to get as much information as we can," said Gustavo Marquez, Lake County Public Safety. "It's a safety aid for public safety, so we can get information faster."

Residents can voluntarily provide their information, including emergency contacts, vehicle information, house floorplans, photos of family members and pet information.

"Its safety for our officers out in the field and our medics that come in. If you have a pet in the yard, a guard dog, that's some of the stuff we would like to know," said Marquez.

Smart 911 also allows residents to detail their medical conditions and any weapons that are in the home.

Many residents told Channel 9 they think the program could help.

"With technology the way it is, I think it's a good idea," said resident William Moye.

Some raised concerns about the program asking for private information, but officials said residents can provide as much or as little details as they want. Additionally, the information isn't stored by the county and is only accessible during an actual emergency, officials said.