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Billings Officials Announce Emergency Dispatch System Overhaul Following Public Outcry
City and county authorities describe adjustments to EMS dispatch and public notifications while addressing recent viral video concerns.
How we reported this
Billings city officials have confirmed with Montana Disaster and Emergency Services that no explosions or plane crashes occurred despite viral videos showing an object over the city. The verification came after reports circulated on social media during recent storm activity.
These statements arrive as local emergency operations adjust to handle calls more efficiently. Officials emphasize that the 24/7 Billings City/County 911 Communication Center continues to coordinate both emergency and non-emergency responses across the region.
EMS dispatch changes under review
Billings is integrating a nurse navigation system that lets trained nurses assess non-life-threatening calls by phone before any vehicles are sent. This step aims to reduce unnecessary dispatches of fire trucks and ambulances on lower-priority incidents. County documents list the change as part of ongoing efforts to match resources to actual need.
Public Works staff have also issued reminders on how residents should handle street flooding. Reports should go to the department at 406-657-8250 or through its Facebook Messenger account. The guidance specifies that 911 should be reserved strictly for life-threatening situations or washed-out roads.
New alert platform now active
Yellowstone County has switched to the Everbridge app for emergency notifications. The platform replaces the former CodeRED system and older outdoor sirens. It will deliver alerts on tornadoes, floods, fires and other local developments directly to residents who sign up.
Officials note that the previous tools had limitations in reach and speed. The Everbridge rollout follows reviews of how alerts performed during past severe weather events in the county. Residents can access the app through county channels listed on the Yellowstone County DES site.
These updates reflect direct input from the Billings City/County 911 Communication Center and Yellowstone County emergency management. No additional timelines or rollout dates have been released beyond the current integration steps already underway.