9-1-1 Communications

As the primary public safety answering point, Kent County Central Alarm answers all calls for help through 9-1-1. In response to these calls, Emergency Communications Specialists provide dispatch for 7 fire, rescue and emergency medical service companies throughout the county, the Kent County Sheriff's Office, and the Chestertown and Rock Hall Police Departments.

Emergency Communications Specialists retrieve data from the National Crime Information data network. Emergency Communications Specialists also provide pre-arrival medical instructions to citizens reporting medical emergencies through a nationally recognized program called Emergency Medical Dispatch.

Special provisions have been made to provide assistance for those with special needs during an emergency. We have provided the 9-1-1 Special Needs Survey that can be filled out on line. In the comments section, please include information that may be helpful to responders such as brief medical histories or allergies to medications. Surveys are also mailed to all residences and businesses in Kent County with yearly property tax bills.

A 9-1-1 educational outreach program is offered to elementary school students throughout the county. Upon request, a simulator telephone is taken to the classroom to teach children how to use the telephone for 9-1-1.

Our Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) team is a group of amateur radio operators who provide backup communication via two-way radios to assist during emergencies and disasters. RACES personnel are activated when requested by the Director of EMA.