Thurston County, Washington

The content on the Thurston County website is currently provided in English. We are providing the “Translation” for approximately 10 languages. The goal of the translation is to provide visitors with limited English proficiency to access information on the website in other languages. The translations do not translate all types of documents, and it may not give you an exact translation all the time. The translations are made through an automated process, which may not result in accurate or precise translations, particularly of technical and legal terminology.
County Contacts
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Thurston County Washington

Public Health and Social Services

Project SAFER

Special Assistance For Emergency Response (SAFER)


Connecting first responders with individuals in the intellectual/ developmental disabilities community, while fostering understanding, safety, and stronger community relationships.
 

About The Program

  • Law Enforcement and First Responders learn effective ways to assist people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD)
  • Improves how First Responders communicate, approach, and interact in emergencies
  • Provides essential information to local emergency teams
  • Creates more inclusive and respectful encounters
  • Educates individuals with I/DD on how to interact with emergency services

 

Clallam County began this program, see how it all began.

Have an idea for Project SAFER? Submit it here!

image of male fire fighter helping individual into fire truck

Sign Up Today

 

Sign up for Smart911!  Smart 911 is a service that allows you to create a profile of personal information to be sent to TCOMM 911 when you place a 9-1-1 call.  When you create an account, you can provide as much information as you want to be available during an emergency.  This can be anything from your home address to your medical conditions or even the number and type of pets you have.  The information is attached to all the phone numbers you choose to register regardless of their type (Cell, VoIP, Landline).  You are in the driver’s seat so sign up now for an account and be better prepared for emergencies.

Project SAFER is promoting Smart911 as it can help during any emergency by giving first responders the information they need to better help and communicate with you.

 

Smart 911 Informational Brochure

Protect Your Loved Ones Smart 911 Informational Flyer with picture of two children sitting in grass with golden retriever between them.

The Crisis Response Unit (CRU) is an alternative response team that offers voluntary and confidential assistance to people in Olympia.  As part of their outreach to the I/DD community, CRU has volunteered to do home visits to those with I/DD.  By scheduling a home visit, you will get a better understanding of how CRU can assist you in an emergency.  It will also help CRU learn more about your specific needs.  If you live in Olympia and are interested, sign up here!  

 

Crisis Response Unit (CRU) - Home Visit Sign Up Form

Image of CRU Members and Project SAFER participates smiling together at a meet and greet event
Photo of first responders in training classroom receiving presentation on Project SAFER
Image of City of Olympia Crisis Response Staff with members of the Project SAFER program
Photo of Sheriff Sanders with 2025 Trunk or Treat winner
Photo of Lacey Police Woman with Project SAFER member
photo of project safer team member using fire hose with firefighter

 

Photo of state trooper serving ice cream at Project SAFER ice cream social event

Washington State Department of Licensing offers voluntary medical, disability, or hearing/speech designations on driver’s licenses and ID cards to assist in emergencies. These designations can give first responders information about how you communicate or inform them that you have one or more conditions that might affect a health emergency.

Most law enforcement can see these designations when they look up individuals in our system. In an emergency, medical personnel can only see designations printed on your license or ID card. They don’t have access to what’s in our system.

You may choose one or more of the below designations to be added to your record:

Image showing icons that can be added to drivers license or ID card for developmental disabilities, deaf or hard of hearing, or medical alert

Click here to find out how to add/change/remove these designations.

Contact our High School Transition Coordinator at 360-867-2539 or email hst.coord@co.thurston.wa.us for more information or if you have additional questions.