TiPS Today in Public Safety with Fletch

TiPS 25-0131 Deploying NG911 in Rural Areas

In this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety, host Fletch dives into the unique challenges and innovative solutions for deploying Next Generation 911 (NG911) services in rural communities. From infrastructure limitations and funding hurdles to staffing shortages, rural areas face distinct obstacles in upgrading their emergency communication systems.
Discover how federal funding programs, regional collaboration, and public-private partnerships are paving the way for NG911 readiness in underserved areas. Plus, learn about the critical role of training and wellness programs in supporting telecommunicators as they adapt to advanced NG911 systems.
Whether you’re an emergency services professional, a public safety leader, or simply interested in the future of 911 technology, this episode offers valuable insights into overcoming the barriers to NG911 adoption in rural America.
Tune in now to stay informed and inspired!

TiPS 25-0129 - The Forbidden Fruits of NG911

🎙️ Forbidden Fruit: Hidden Dangers of Raspberry Pi and WiFi Pineapples 🎙️
In this episode of 911Tips.com, Fletch describes the deceptive dangers of seemingly harmless tech tools: the Raspberry Pi and WiFi Pineapple. These devices, while powerful and versatile, have a dark side that could pose significant risks to public safety and NG911 systems.
From how a Raspberry Pi can turn into a "ticking IT time bomb" to the way a WiFi Pineapple can trap unsuspecting users, we uncover the threats these devices pose to secure communication networks. Learn about infiltration risks, man-in-the-middle attacks, DDoS overloads, and IoT exploits—and why public safety professionals should be on high alert.
Fletch also shares practical tips for mitigating these risks, including network security, endpoint protection, team training, and proactive monitoring.
💡 Suggested by ENP Erika Lakey during NENA Standards and Best Practices, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the safety and resilience of our critical public safety infrastructure.

TiPS 25-0127: 988 Enhancing Mental Health Crisis Response

In this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety, host Fletch, VP of Public Safety Solutions at 911inform, explores the delicate balance between privacy and exigent circumstances in emergency communications.
While 911 calls are inherently considered exigent, allowing for temporary suspension of privacy laws to protect human life, the expectation of privacy becomes more complex with support lines like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Fletch delves into the evolution of the 988 Lifeline, its role in providing anonymous support, and the challenges that arise when immediate intervention is necessary without explicit caller consent.
Join us as we navigate the intricacies of caller anonymity, emergency response, and the ongoing debate between ensuring immediate assistance and respecting individual privacy rights.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, don't hesitate to call 988 to connect with a trained counselor.
Subscribe to 911tips.com for more insights into public safety and emergency communications.

TiPS 25-0124 - Protecting the Protectors: How Blockchain Can Help NG911 Stay Ahead of Cyber Threats

🚨 Protecting the Protectors: How Blockchain Secures NG911 Systems 🚨
In this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety, Fletch dives into the critical topic of cybersecurity in NG911 networks and how blockchain technology can help protect sensitive data and safeguard public safety infrastructure from cyber threats.
As NG911 networks handle increasingly complex multimedia content and critical information, staying ahead of cyberattacks is more important than ever. Learn how blockchain ensures data accuracy, prevents unauthorized access, and keeps vital information secure for first responders and public safety teams.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The growing risks of cybersecurity in NG911 networks.
How blockchain works as a super-secure "chain of trust" for public safety data.
Key strategies for protecting sensitive data, including encryption, firewalls, and access control.
Real-world examples of blockchain’s potential to revolutionize emergency communications.
🔒 Why This Matters: Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data—it’s about saving lives. With blockchain technology, we can create more secure and reliable systems for first responders and the communities they serve.

TiPS 25-0122 - NG911 Enhancing Response with Augmented Reality

🚨 Augmented Reality & NG911: Revolutionizing Emergency Response 🚨
In this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety, Fletch dives into how Augmented Reality (AR) is transforming the way first responders handle emergencies. Learn how AR devices, powered by live data from Next Generation 911 (NG911) networks, are helping firefighters "see" through walls, navigate smoke-filled buildings, and avoid hazards in real time.
💡 Topics Covered in This Episode:
How AR overlays critical data like building layouts and environmental hazards.
The role of NG911 in providing seamless, real-time data to first responders.
Real-world use cases, like wireframe building maps in respirator masks.
The potential cost savings and insurance benefits of AR-enabled systems.
With NG911 technology being deployed nationwide and AR advancements accelerating, this isn’t science fiction—it’s the future of emergency response.
🔥 Don’t miss this deep dive into the tools that are enhancing situational awareness and saving lives!
🔗 Links & Resources:🌐 Visit 911tips.com for more episodes of TiPS: Today in Public Safety.📘 Learn more about NG911 technology and its impact on public safety.
🎙 About the Host:Fletch is the VP of Public Safety Solutions at http://911inform.com and a leading expert in emergency communications. With over 40 years of experience, he’s passionate about sharing innovations that save lives.
✅ Subscribe for more insights on public safety and emergency technology.👍 Like this video if you found it useful!🗨️ Have questions or thoughts? Drop them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
#PublicSafety #NG911 #AugmentedReality #EmergencyResponse #InnovationSavesLives #TiPS

TiPS: 250120 - NG911 Predictive Analysis Reshaping Public Safety Response

Large enterprises operate with vast data lakes—repositories holding detailed environmental, operational, and health-related information. From HVAC systems monitoring air quality to real-time employee health metrics, these datasets provide a wealth of information that, when shared securely and intelligently with public safety agencies, can transform emergency preparedness.
For example:
Environmental Monitoring: Sensors tracking temperature, humidity, or air quality in industrial environments can signal fire risks or hazardous material leaks.
Health Data Aggregation: Wearables and health systems can detect trends like rising temperatures or symptoms of illness, helping businesses preempt medical emergencies.
Occupancy Analytics: Heat maps and access control data can indicate crowd density, guiding evacuation plans or pinpointing areas of heightened risk.
When integrated into NG911 systems, this enterprise-level intelligence provides responders with critical insights before they arrive on the scene.

TiPS 25-0117 - Emergency Calling in a Corporate Office or University Campus

In this episode, Fletch, Vice President of Public Safety Solutions at @911inform, unpacks the challenges of emergency call reporting in large, complex environments—like sprawling university campuses and corporate office complexes.
Discover how NG911-compliant solutions revolutionize emergency response, ensuring faster and more precise situational awareness. This episode dives deep into how advanced location technology can save lives, from tackling confusion caused by shared campus addresses and changing building names to navigating complex multi-level structures.
Key Takeaways:
The challenges responders face in environments with shared addresses and dynamic layouts.
How NG911 solutions like 911inform offer detailed location data—including floor and entrance information—to streamline emergency response.
Real-world examples that illustrate how accurate situational data makes all the difference in life-threatening emergencies.
Join us for a compelling discussion on how cutting-edge technology is bridging the gap between dispatchers and first responders, ensuring that every second counts in critical moments.
Tune in, subscribe, and share your thoughts. Let us know your questions or topic suggestions—we’d love to hear from you!

TiPS 25-0115 - Training Dispatchers for Real Emergencies in a Virtual World

Discover how virtual reality revolutionizes 911 dispatcher training in this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety on 911tips.com. Hosted by Fletch, VP of Public Safety Solutions at 911inform, this episode dives into the cutting-edge use of VR to immerse dispatchers in realistic emergency scenarios. Learn how this innovative approach improves decision-making, enhances emotional resilience, and ultimately can save lives.
Explore the future of public safety training, featuring:
Immersive VR simulations for high-stakes scenarios.
The benefits of VR for improving response times and communication.
How AI and dispatcher biometric feedback are shaping next-gen training tools.
The human side of public safety—supporting dispatcher wellness and stress management benefits.
Remember to subscribe for insights into public safety innovation every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and be sure to share your thoughts or topic suggestions in the comments. Remember, innovation is the key to saving lives.
👉 Stay safe, stay informed, and stay ahead with 911tips.com.
Produced and Sponsored by 911inform.com 
#911Tips #VirtualReality #PublicSafetyTraining #EmergencyDispatch #Innovation