9-1-1 IS a priceless safety network. Its efficiency and accuracy result in precious speedy response time. 9-1-1 has obviously saved countless lives nationwide since its inception.

Now a similar system in reverse is also paying life-saving dividends. Its roots are traced right in Belmont County.

Recently, Martins Ferry Police received a frantic call from two worried parents. They were alarmed that their 5-year-old daughter could not be located.

The Martins Ferry Police launched an immediate search for the youth. They were joined by the city’s firefighters. Ferry’s safety forces were initially unable to locate the girl.

With more help needed, Martins Ferry Sgt. in Charge John McFarland placed a call to Belmont County 9-1-1 to trigger a callout of the county’s new Reverse 9-1-1 system.

The system — similar in makeup to an Amber alert — provided a description of the girl, her clothing and the location from where she initially wandered off.

The Reverse 9-1-1 callout yielded a flood of phone calls to Ferry police headquarters, many providing helpful advice. The police, shortly thereafter, received the call they were hoping for — that the young girl was found unharmed.

The Reverse 9-1-1 can take partial credit for a happy ending in what could have been a tragic scenario.

The new system offers a wide variety of beneficial uses, such as warnings for gas leaks, major accidents, Hazmat spills or prison breaks. All of the aforementioned situations are ones that the public should be made aware of in quick fashion.

With that said, we view 9-1-1 as an instrument that offers a safety net previously unavailable.