The Premise Alert program allows for a coordinated response by Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services, 911 centers, as well as education and human service agencies, all working together with families of special needs individuals. It provides families with a uniform method to alert first responders about special needs individuals and provides first responders with advanced knowledge of the situation, allowing for a rapid and informed response during a crisis, evacuations, and disasters.

The Premise Alert Form assists first responders by giving them advanced medical and behavioral information allowing them to be better prepared before they enter a residence or interact with an individual with special needs. This advanced knowledge leads to more accurate assessments and appropriate agency responses in emergency situations. The underlying principle of the Premise Alert program posits that the more First Responders know about a situation or individual before they respond, the more likely they will achieve a positive outcome.

The Premise Alert form is designed for anyone who has a special need, health challenge, or disability, such as, but not limited to; Alzheimer’s Disease, Autism, Mental Health Challenges, Intellectual Disability, or a complex or rare medical condition.

Premise Alert packets will be available at East Hempfield Twp. Police Dept., or can be downloaded from the department Crimewatch page (see below attachment). Each packet will include the necessary forms, a picture of the special needs individual should also be attached to the Premise Alert form.