To enhance safety and improve communication during emergency responses, the Pella Police Department is now offering complimentary Emergency Awareness Decals for residents, a project done in partnership with the Pella Wellness Consortium. These highly visible decals, featuring a clearly identifiable emblem, are designed for placement on vehicles or home entrances to alert first responders that someone onsite may have:
• Hearing impairment
• Autism or other special needs
• Alzheimer’s or dementia
• Diabetes
• Seizure disorder
• A mobility or communication disability

This initiative enables first responders to quickly recognize when adaptive communication or extra patience may be required—potentially reducing misunderstandings and improving outcomes during high-stress situations and emergencies.

Residents or loved ones with one of the program disabilities can come to the Pella Police Department and request a decal. Decals are placed in visible locations—either on a vehicle’s rear window or near the home’s main entrance. In addition, interested participants who have concerns of, or deal with wandering are encouraged to complete a brief, voluntary registration form under the LOST program, which can be located on the city webpage. If requested, a dispatch flag is added to the address or vehicle record for enhanced situational awareness .

The cost is free to Pella residents and decals can be picked up at Pella Police Department.