Are you an Oracle resident? Homebound? Live by yourself?
The county has a program that makes it easier to reach emergency services and get help fast.
Pinal County offers a program that provides emergency call devices for people who would like a way to contact emergency response personnel quickly and efficiently in the event of emergencies. The program provides a medical alert system, for anyone who wants one, that can be used for any kind of emergency.
The system is comprised of a 911 pendant that can be carried around the home and activated in the event of an emergency, and a base unit that will automatically dial 911 when a button on the pendant is pushed. The pendant has a microphone that allows the user to communicate verbally with a 911 dispatcher. Additionally, it operates on caller ID so that even if voice communication with the dispatcher cannot be established, emergency response personnel will automatically respond to the address of the caller.
The program has been operational for at least 20 years and, over the years, has successfully notified first responders of many people in distress in the Oracle area. The program in Oracle is administered by the Oracle Fire District for residents within the Fire District. The program was designed for elderly or handicapped people but is open to anyone who feels the need for an additional level of security within the home.
The units are provided free of charge by the county; there is no monthly service charge, and are installed and maintained by a team of Oracle Fire District volunteers. Routine checks, either in person or by phone, are made every six months to make sure the units are working properly. Users are also trained in how to check their units by themselves.
In most cases, the units are functional anywhere within the home and, nominally, within 100 feet of the house outside. One limitation is that the user must have a local “896” land line. The County has investigated possible ways to provide this service using cell or mobile phones but, as of now, has not found a way to do so.
Oracle residents interested in the program and who have a land line number (896 prefix) may inquire by contacting the Oracle Fire District at 520-896-2980 (ask to speak with Tina or Cherie).