Options for Back-Up

Just a quick entry today... 

Occasionally people will ask me why they need SOS LINK if they could just call 911.  Let me be clear - there is absolutely a role for 911 - but just not in every situation. 

Recently, a friend was involved in an altercation with a driver with road rage. He followed her, was swearing at her, threatening her.... so she called 911. This gentleman lived on her street and she was fearful. What did they say at 911? Nothing. They told her this was not an emergency. He actually had to cause some harm first. 

This really got me thinking about our idea of "emergency response" and what "help" looks like. 

 

Now, not to put down those who man the phones at our 911 response centers, but here are a few questions...When was the last time you called them? If you can remember - let me ask you this:

1. How many questions did you need to answer before you were connected to the help you were looking for?
2. Have you ever been told that the reason you were calling was not an emergency?

Well, I have called before, and told that my situation was not emergent enough. I have called and been told that police would be right over - when it took over 8 hours to respond. But sometimes I just feel like I need a little extra help - like, my Dad, for example. Hence, the need for SOS LINK.

My 31 year old friend claimed that she just wanted a little back up with that driver with road rage - maybe not police - but she felt she needed someone.  Would that driver have backed down if he knew that his picture was being taken? Possibly. Deterrents are powerful tools....

All I am saying is that it is nice to have options - even in an uncomfortable situation. Police? Friends? Family? Both? Well, you can have both. Yay for that.