Baton Rouge, LA – June 13, 2023 – Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announced the launch of Baton Rouge Fire Department Community Connect, a new online registry that allows residents and business owners within city limits to share important information about their homes or businesses with firefighters. The program is a joint effort between the Baton Rouge Fire Department and the Mayor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (MOHSEP).
"Before they even arrive at the scene, Baton Rouge firefighters can know exactly how many people and pets live in your home, where bedrooms are located, medical conditions, mobility issues, hazardous utilities and emergency contacts," said Mayor Broome. "If you are a resident or business owner in Baton Rouge city limits, I encourage you to sign up for the Baton Rouge Fire Department Community Connect program. It is a free and easy way to help firefighters keep you safe.”
How it works
Residents and business owners can create a free account and provide information such as the number of people who live or work at the property, any special hazards, the layout of the property, and the location of fire alarms and sprinkler systems. This information will be stored in a secure database and made available to firefighters when they respond to an emergency at the property.
"Baton Rouge Community Connect is a first-of-its-kind program in the region, and we are excited to see how it will benefit our community," said BRFD Chief Michael Kimble. "This program will save lives and property, and I encourage everyone to sign up."
Benefits
Baton Rouge Fire Department Community Connect can help firefighters to respond more quickly and safely to emergencies. By knowing more about the property, firefighters can make better decisions about how to approach the scene and how to protect the people inside. Community Connect can also help to reduce property damage by allowing firefighters to more effectively mitigate the impact of a fire or other emergency.
"Whether it's a fire, medical emergency or natural disaster, Baton Rouge Fire Department Community Connect will help our firefighters respond more effectively and efficiently," said MOHSEP Director Clay Rives.
How to sign up
Residents and business owners can sign up for Baton Rouge Fire Department Community Connect at brla.gov/connect. For more information, call 225-354-1400.
About Baton Rouge Fire Department Community Connect
BRFD Community Connect is a free, voluntary program that is open to all residents and business owners in Baton Rouge city limits. The program is designed to help firefighters to respond more quickly and safely to emergencies. For more information, visit brla.gov/connect.