‘Smart' 911 registry prompts privacy questions

SEATTLE — King County has launched a new 911 system that promises to reach people in trouble more quickly than ever.

It's called Smart911 and it's both free and voluntary, but some worry whether it might put too much personal information at risk.

When one registers online for Smart911, the site asks for detailed personal information beyond a phone number and address.

The information can include family medical conditions and even the location of children's bedrooms. If provided, that information comes up on the dispatcher's screen during a 911 call and is sent to emergency responders heading to the location.

Crews said that information can be especially helpful in the case of fire.

"The location of bedrooms, special access, and number of occupants will assist firefighters when they arrive, knowing these locations,” said Port of Seattle Fire Department Chief Randy Drause.

The intent of Smart911 is to compensate for cellphones, which have replaced landline phones by 70 percent for homeowners.  But cellphones only transmit a general location.  With Smart 911, emergency crews know the caller’s exact address, which is especially helpful in finding apartment renters.

Ernie Hutt of Puyallup said Smart911 might have helped him when he broke an ankle at home, which later caused a blood clot.  He said if arriving crews had known about his medical history, they might have prevented the clot.

But others worry about putting too much personal information into the 911 system, exposing it to possible security breaches or computer hacking.

But King County's 911 program manager said the information in Smart911 lies dormant and out of reach until it's needed.

"Even we don't have access to the data unless someone calls 911,” said 911 administrator Marlys Davis.

Smart911 administrators said it's important to keep personal information updated if addresses or medical conditions change.

Those who sign on to the program at Smart911.com will be asked every six months if changes are necessary.

The new service is currently available only to residents of King County.

KIRO