Registering important information with local first responders can help police, firefighters, EMS, and 911 dispatchers better understand your loved one’s needs during an emergency. Many communities offer voluntary programs designed to improve communication and response for autistic individuals and others with disabilities.
📋 On This Page
- What First Responder Registration Is
- Why It Can Help
- Types of Registration Programs
- How to Find Programs in Your Area
- Questions to Ask
- HARE Tip
🚓 What Is First Responder Registration?
First responder registration allows families to voluntarily share information with emergency responders before an emergency happens. Depending on where you live, programs may allow you to provide details such as communication preferences, medical information, sensory sensitivities, wandering concerns, emergency contacts, and favorite calming techniques.
📚 Types of Programs
🚓 Autism Registries
Some police departments maintain voluntary autism registries that allow officers to access helpful information during emergencies.
📍 Take Me Home Programs
Community programs designed to assist in safely locating individuals who may wander.
🛰 Project Lifesaver
A search-and-rescue program that uses radio-frequency tracking technology to help locate individuals who are prone to wandering.
📱 Smart911
Allows households to create a free safety profile that can provide dispatchers with important information when calling 911 in participating communities.
🏠 Local Emergency Management Programs
Some counties, cities, or emergency management agencies offer additional registration or preparedness programs for people with disabilities.
🔍 How to Find Programs Near You
Every community is different, and not every area offers the same programs. If you’re not sure what’s available where you live, don’t worry—these simple steps can help you find out.
- Contact your local police department and ask if they have an autism registry or special needs registry.
- Call your sheriff’s office and ask if they offer a Take Me Home program or another voluntary registration program.
- Check with your local fire department to see if they maintain emergency information for residents with disabilities.
- Visit your county emergency management website for preparedness programs and registries.
- Search online for Project Lifesaver and Smart911 to see if they’re available in your area.
- Ask your child’s healthcare provider, therapist, or local autism organization if they know of community programs.
❓ Questions to Ask
- Do you offer an autism or special needs registry?
- Is there a Take Me Home or similar program in our area?
- What information can families provide?
- How often should registration information be updated?
- Is this information available to police, fire, EMS, and 911 dispatchers?
- Are there any additional safety resources available for families?
Helpful National Resources
💜 HARE Tip
Registration programs are completely voluntary. Consider reviewing your information once a year or whenever your loved one’s communication, medical needs, emergency contacts, or address changes.
