Purpose Statement

Creating a Business Community Connect account allows business owners and authorized representatives to securely register their business property and provide critical occupancy and building information to assist emergency responders during emergencies. Maintaining accurate business information helps first responders make informed decisions before arriving on scene.

Background Information

Business Community Connect is a secure, web-based portal that enables businesses to voluntarily share important property information with their local fire department. After creating an account and registering a property, users can document building contacts, occupancy details, access information, hazardous materials, fire protection systems, and other critical pre-incident planning information.

Depending on the property and local agency requirements, additional address or ownership verification may be required before access is granted.

Required Permissions

No special permissions are required. Business users need:

• A valid email address
• Internet access
• Access to the Business Community Connect registration page

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Step-by-Step Guide
 

1. Access the Registration Page

1. Navigate to the Business Community Connect login page.
2. Select Register.

2. Create Login Credentials

1. Enter your Email Address.
2. Create a Password.
3. Confirm your password.
4. Select the checkbox to Accept the Terms of Use.
5. Complete the CAPTCHA verification.
6. Select Register.

3. Verify Your Email Address

1. Check your email inbox for the verification message.
2. Open the email and select the verification link.
3. Follow the prompts to activate your account.

4. Set Up Your Account

1. From the verification email, select Set Up Account to continue the registration process.

5. Sign In

1. After verifying your email, sign in using your newly created credentials.

6. Resolve Activation Errors (If Necessary)

If you receive an activation error, it may be because:

• The activation link is invalid.
• The activation link has expired.

If this occurs, request a new activation email and repeat the verification process.

7. Enter Personal Information

1. Provide the following information:
   • First Name
   • Last Name
   • Primary Contact Phone Number
2. Select Next.

8. Enter Property Information

1. Enter the following property information:
   • Nickname (optional)
   • Address (required)
   • Unit Number (if applicable)
   • City (required)
   • State (required)
   • ZIP Code (required)
2. Select Next.

9. Review Address Standardization (If Displayed)

The system may detect a standardized version of the address you entered.

For example:

• East 23rd Street may be standardized to E 23rd St.

Review the suggested address and confirm that it matches your property's official address before continuing.

10. Review Address Warning (If Displayed)

If the system identifies a potential address issue, a warning modal may appear.

Choose one of the following:

• Disregard – Saves the address exactly as entered.
• Cancel – Returns you to the previous screen to update the address information.

11. Review Address Format Warning (If Displayed)

If an address formatting recommendation is available, choose one of the following:

• Continue – Automatically updates the address to the suggested standardized format.
• Disregard – Saves the address exactly as entered.
• Cancel – Returns to the previous screen so you can manually update the address.

12. Agency Address Verification (If Required)

If address warnings were displayed and changes were made, your account may require verification by your local agency before you can access Business Community Connect.

13. Receive Verification Approval

Once your local agency has verified your account, you will receive a verification email. After receiving the email, sign in to access your Business Community Connect account.

14. Verify Property Ownership (If Required)

Additional ownership verification may be required if the property is:

• Previously owned
• A rental property
• Already associated with another Business Community Connect account

15. Submit an Ownership Appeal

If the property is already linked to another account:

1. Enter an Appeal Reason.
2. Upload documentation verifying your ownership or authorization to manage the property.
3. Select Next.

16. Pending Address Validation

After submitting the ownership request, a notice may indicate that your address is pending validation by your local agency. Access may be limited until validation is complete.

17. Ownership Request Confirmation

After submitting your request, you will receive an email confirming that your ownership request has been received.

18. Ownership Verification Approval

Once your ownership request has been approved, you will receive an ownership verification email confirming that you may access the property.

19. Complete Your Business Profile

After logging in, review your dashboard and complete the available business information, including:

• My Information
• Contacts
• Functional Needs
• Occupancy Information
• Access & Utilities
• Hazardous Materials (HazMat)
• Fire Systems

Keeping your business profile current provides emergency responders with valuable pre-incident planning information that can improve response effectiveness and safety.

Best Practices

• Register using a business email address that is regularly monitored.
• Create a strong, unique password to protect your account.
• Verify your email promptly to avoid activation delays.
• Review standardized address suggestions to ensure the property can be accurately located.
• Keep business contacts, occupancy information, hazardous materials, and fire protection system information current.
• Upload clear ownership documentation if verification is required.
• Review your business profile periodically to ensure emergency responders have the most accurate information available.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Why can't I access my account after registering?
Your email address, property address, or ownership information may still be pending verification by your local agency.

Why did I receive an address warning?
The system compares your address with standardized postal data to improve property identification and emergency response accuracy.

What happens if I choose Disregard instead of Continue?
Your address will be saved exactly as entered. If the address cannot be validated, your local agency may need to review it before activating your account.

Why do I need to verify ownership?
Ownership verification ensures only authorized individuals can manage information for a business property already associated with another account.

Can I update my business information later?
Yes. After registration and verification, you can log in at any time to update contacts, occupancy information, hazardous materials, access information, fire systems, and other business details.