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The free tool helps emergency responders locate callers who are unsure of their address
Three simple words may one day save a life in Miami Beach as the city’s 911 emergency dispatchers are the first in South Florida to begin using a free app to locate 911 callers who are unsure of their exact location.
“Every second counts in an emergency. What3Words helps our first responders find people faster,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “Now our dispatchers can pinpoint locations with incredible precision — even in parks or beaches where street addresses aren’t clear. This will help us save lives.”
Using the app, dispatchers can text or email a link to 911 callers with access to a smartphone, tablet or computer. The app converts the geographic coordinates of callers into three English words separated by periods. For example — surfaces.hotels.upon — corresponds to 1701 Meridian Ave.
Callers will be asked to read the words aloud in the same order provided by the app. The words are converted by the app into a precise geographic square measuring 3 by 3 meters. Developers say the app offers GPS-level accuracy — even in hard-to-access or unmarked areas.
“What3Words gives us an added advantage in finding people quicker, especially in areas without street addresses or when a caller is disoriented,” said Miami Beach Fire Chief Digna Abello, who oversees the city’s emergency dispatch operations for police, fire and medical calls. “In emergency situations, every second matters and this tool helps us eliminate the guesswork.”
While it is not necessary for 911 callers to be running the app on their devices, What3Words is available for free download on both iOS and Android platforms. For more information on What3Words, visit www.what3words.com.
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