LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)-- The Lafayette Parish Communication District has a new app dedicated to helping the people of Lafayette Parish during emergencies. The app is a way first responders can be better equipped when responding to an emergency.

The Smart911 app allows people to input information that is beneficial to first responders during emergencies and is a way citizens can receive the proper care during critical moments.

Craig Stansbury, director of the Lafayette Parish Communication District, said Smart911 is being implemented to help first responders be more efficient when responding to emergencies.

"What the residents do is they'll go on to the app and they'll put whatever information they want and they feel is necessary for first responders to know before they get to the scene," he said.

Stansbury said the app is secure and is only seen by the 911 caller or the first responders when 911 is dialed. He also said it's a way people who have special needs are accommodated when being helped during a crisis.

"If we can receive vital information about a caller before we get there, it really makes our job a lot easier and helps us expedite the care for that person," he said.

Stansbury said if there is a catastrophe or the power is out, Smart911 will still give important information to first responders. He said the app is not only helpful for emergency personnel, but people who utilize the app will be able to receive the best emergency service.

"Any information that we can get really helps them provide the best emergency service to the people that we're responding to. You can fill out as much information or as little if you have any questions about it or you want some help filling out the information, you call our administrative offices at 337-291-5060, and we will walk you through that."

The Smart911 app can be downloaded on the Apple App store or Google Play store and no cost.

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