100 signatures reached
To: We respectfully urge Mayor Van Johnson, Assistant Chief Robert Gavin, Chief of Police Lenny Gunther, and the Savannah City Council to approve emergency call boxes in our public parks as a critical public safety measure.
Emergency Call Boxes Are a Public Safety Necessity Not a Future Plan
Our public parks are heavily used by runners, walkers, families, and visitors, yet many lack immediate and visible access to emergency assistance. Recent violent incidents, including the attack of an innocent bystander, have highlighted gaps in existing safety measures. While law enforcement works diligently, response times can be delayed when there is no direct, accessible way to call for help in high traffic park areas. Preventative safety tools are currently insufficient.
The city has already taken an important step by securing a grant to fund 22 emergency call boxes. These call boxes must now be prioritized for approval, placed on the agenda, and installed without further delay. Emergency call boxes provide a direct line to emergency services, are highly visible, and serve as both a deterrent and a rapid response tool in emergencies. Immediate approval and installation would significantly enhance park safety.
Emergency call boxes save time when seconds matter. They provide peace of mind to park users and demonstrate a proactive commitment to public safety. Implementing these measures now can help prevent future incidents rather than responding after harm has occurred. Our community deserves safe public spaces, and action today can make a meaningful difference.
Why is this important?
Public parks are meant to be safe spaces where people can exercise, gather, and enjoy time outdoors. When safety measures are lacking, fear replaces freedom. Recent events have shown that emergencies can happen anywhere, and without immediate access to help, outcomes can be far worse. Emergency call boxes are a simple, proven safety tool that can make a real difference when seconds matter.
This is not about fear. It is about prevention, preparedness, and protection. Visible safety measures deter crime, reduce response times, and give people peace of mind while using shared community spaces.
This campaign is about protecting one another. Joining this effort means standing up for runners, families, children, seniors, and visitors who use our parks every day. It means choosing proactive solutions over reactive ones and showing our city leadership that public safety is a shared priority.
Change happens when voices come together. By supporting this campaign, you are helping push a life-saving measure forward, encouraging accountability, and showing that our community cares about safety before another incident occurs. One signature, one share, and one voice can help move this initiative from discussion to action.
Together, we can help make our parks safer for everyone.
Together, we can help make our parks safer for everyone.