Ulster County launches alert system for residents with special needs
Ulster County has launched Project SAFE – Special Alert For Emergencies – a voluntary alert program designed to assist individuals in Ulster County living with Autism, Down syndrome, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive or developmental conditions, as well as blindness, deafness, and hearing loss.
The program allows caregivers and individuals to provide vital information to be securely stored in the county’s 911 dispatch system. When a registered individual is involved in an emergency, a distinct Project SAFE icon will notify dispatchers and first responders, allowing them to respond with greater awareness, sensitivity, and safety.
“Project SAFE is about equipping our first responders with the information they need to serve our most vulnerable residents with compassion and care,” said Everett Erichsen, Director of Ulster County Emergency Services. “A dedicated Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) alert for individuals with Autism, Dementia, and other cognitive conditions, as well as blindness and deafness, ensures responders are informed before they arrive; reducing fear, preventing escalation, and improving safety.”
“Recent incidents have shown how vital this kind of preparedness is,” Erichsen added. “This program is personal for many of us, and by taking this step, we’re making Ulster County a safer, more inclusive place for every family.”
Enroll at ulstercountyny.gov/project-safe and share input, and see more resources available at participate.ulstercountyny.gov/thinkdifferently.
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