Thread by @MappingSupport

1/_ Calling 911 with a cell phone to get help? They might not know your location unless you tell them! FindMeSAR.com (I am developer) is a web page that uses the GPS in your phone to display your coordinates and accuracy value. #SearchAndRescue #DebrisFlow

2/_ Use it like so:
Browse to FindMeSAR.com
Tap “Next format” until the yellow screen appears
Wait a few seconds for the accuracy value to get to 30 feet or less
Tap ‘Stop”
#EmergencyManagement

3/_ The yellow screen displays your location in latitude longitude, decimal degrees. Every 911 call center understands that coordinate format.
There is an icon you can save on your home screen.

4/_ The first time you open #FindMeSAR your device must be online. You can then open this web app when your device is offline. (Offline web page? Weird but true.) There is a “Tips” button with more information.

5/_ A few years ago I read a news story where someone called 911 with a cell phone, the dispatcher and responders were not certain of the person’s location and they died. How could this happen given that cell phones have GPS chips?

6/_ To answer that question I did a deep dive into documents online on the FCC website. It turns out that Uber has much better location technology than many 911 call centers. Bottomline: It is a mistake to *bet your life* that 911 magically knows your location.

7/_ Here is a PDF report I produced that explains the various reasons why 911 does not automatically know your location.
findmesar.com/p/pdf/problems…

8/_ These location problems are the reason that you, your spouse, your kids and even your crazy uncle Harry all need a super easy way to give 911 your coordinates during a stressful emergency. #FindMeSAR is intended to meet that need.

@threadreaderapp unroll please