New Yellow Dot program in Morris gives crucial info to first responders

A group of citizens in Morris can now feel more at ease when they get behind the wheel.

Several people signed up for the Yellow Dot Program Tuesday at the Morris Senior Center. Morris Fire Chief Rocky Bell and his wife Terri, also a member of the department, explained to seniors that the purpose of the program is to provide important information to first responders in the event of a car accident that leaves the driver unconscious.

Drivers fill out a short form, giving their name, address, allergies, current medications, emergency contact person and other information.

They then put the form into their glove compartment, and place a sticker of a yellow dot onto their back vehicle window so emergency responders know to retrieve the packet from inside the car.

Motorcyclists can participate too; the Yellow Dot sticker for motorcycles is smaller and is placed onto the tag.

“It really helps us when we respond to wrecks and the people can’t talk to us,” said Terri Bell.

Lora Weaver with the Northeast Alabama Traffic Safety Office said 175-200,000 people across the state are participating in Yellow Dot.

She said individuals do not have to have medical problems in order to sign up, adding that it also helps first responders to know there are no allergies or pre-existing medical conditions.

In October, the Bullock County will be the last Alabama county to participate in the program, which is sponsored by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

Yellow Dot started in Etowah County as a pilot program; it began expanding across the state in 2010.

Autauga County school buses now have yellow dots on them, with information for bus drivers. Weaver said she hopes the program spreads to maintenance and other school vehicles. She even wants to see buses include Yellow Dot cards for children whose parents choose to participate.

The program is also spreading across the country.

“It’s really beginning to gain momentum across the nation,” said Weaver.

The program is not just for seniors; drivers of any age can participate. Individuals can fill out a card for their children, spouses or others who ride in the car.

Rocky Bell said the fire department will soon have a Yellow Dot Program session at the Burkett Center for the Multi-Handicapped in Morris, where caregivers can fill out the card for their vehicles, and fill out another one to be left on campus for first responders to use in case of an emergency at school.

Bell said the fire departments in Gardendale and Warrior are also participating in the program.

“This is to help our citizens and to give something back,” he said. “It’s a good program. It’s helped a lot of people.”

The Morris Fire Department has Yellow Dot brochures at Morris Town Hall. Citizens can sign up for the program at the Morris Fire Department Monday through Friday, 5-7 p.m. The fire department can also take citizens’ photos for the packet.

To learn more about the Yellow Dot program, including how to sign up relatives in other counties search for “Alabama Yellow Dot” on Facebook or Google.