Tips and Information on Appropriate Use of 911

NOT ALL PHONES TELL 9-1-1 WHERE YOU ARE!

9-1-1 Facts - What is 9-1-1 and Enhanced 9-1-1?

What is 9-1-1?
Nine-one-one is the number most people in the U.S. and some in International countries call to get help in a police, fire or medical emergency. In some places, you may be able to be connected with Poison Control by calling 9-1-1, but you should check with local officials in your area to make sure. A 9-1-1 call goes over dedicated phone lines to the 9-1-1 answering point closest to the caller, and trained personnel then send the emergency help needed.

What is Enhanced 9-1-1?

Enhanced 9-1-1, or E9-1-1, is a system which routes an emergency call to the 9-1-1 center closest to the caller, and automatically displays the caller's phone number and address. The 9-1-1 dispatcher will typically ask the caller to verify the information, which appears on his or her computer screen.

When should you call 9-1-1?

9-1-1 is to be used only in emergency situations.  An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police/sheriff, fire department or an ambulance.  If you are ever in doubt of whether a situation is an emergency you should call 9-1-1.  It is better to be safe and let the 9-1-1 dispatcher determine if you need emergency assistance.

Examples of When to Call 9-1-1:

• Heart attack or stroke
• House fire
• Domestic Violence
• Burglary or theft in progress
• Car Accidents
• Suspicious activities
• Anything else that seems like an emergency!

Do Not Call 9-1-1

• For information or phone numbers
• When the power is out
• To report a broken fire hydrant
• To get a ride for a doctor’s appointment
• Information on paying tickets
• For your pet
• As a prank

If you do call 9-1-1 by mistake, DO NOT HANG UP .  This saves the dispatcher from having to call you back and confirm there is no emergency.

Stay Calm When Calling 9-1-1

Stay calm and listen and answer the questions the dispatcher asks.  Staying calm can be one of the most difficult, yet most important, things you do when calling 9-1-1.  The questions the 9-1-1 dispatcher ask, no matter how relevant they seem are important in helping get the emergency responders to you as fast as possible.


Teach Your Children How to Call 9-1-1

Be sure they know what 9-1-1 is, how to dial from your home or a cell phone. Make sure your child is physically able to reach at least one phone in your home.  When calling 9-1-1 your child needs to know their name, parent’s name, telephone number, and most importantly their address. Post this information near the phone.  Teach them not to be afraid and to answer all the questions and stay on the phone until instructed to hang up.


Never Prank Call 9-1-1

It’s a prank call when someone calls 9-1-1 for a joke, or calls 9-1-1 and hangs up.  If 9-1-1 lines or dispatchers are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency may not be able to get the help they need.  In most places, it’s against the law to make prank 9-1-1 calls.


Old Or Unused Cell Phones Are Not Toys:

Do not give your old cell phone to a child for a toy.  Not only is it a possible choking hazard if any parts break off, but even deactivated cell phones will call 9-1-1. Your child may think they are playing but the dispatcher must make every effort to try and determine if there is a real emergency.  Dispatchers are unable to call back these phones because there is not an actual phone number displayed on the 9-1-1 dispatcher’s screen.  It is very time consuming to trace a deactivated phone and could tie up a Dispatcher that is needed for a true emergency.

Check with your service provider for proper disposal of your unwanted cell phone.


Cell Phones - Critical Cell Phone Facts-

Thinking of discontinuing your traditional phone service?

Many people are making the decision to disconnect their home and move their home telephone to their cell phone.  If you depend only on a cell phone, keep these important tips in mind:

• A typical home or work phone gives   9-1-1 call takers an exact location.  Cell phones with location technology only provide an approximate location.
• If you have an older phone or outdated phone, your information may not be received by the call taker.
• Choose your phone wisely.  Your life could depend on it.  Research your decision and know the benefits and limitations of the phone service prior to making a commitment or signing a contract.

Tips for Using a Cell Phone-

Always know your location and be ready to give directions to the 9-1-1 dispatcher using cross streets, mile markers, landmarks, city and county names.

Always know your cell phone number.

Tell the 9-1-1 dispatcher what the emergency is.
If your call is disconnected dial 9-1-1 again and let the dispatcher know you were disconnected.


Internet/Digital Phones -

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) also called Internet, digital broadband or cable phone service is a rapidly growing alternative to traditional phone service.  Its popularity is fueled primarily new features and the consumer’s ability to choose a phone number from nearly anywhere in the country (and sometimes, other countries.)  Many industry experts anticipate VoIP’s growth will outpace the growth seen by the wireless industry in the last decade.  VoIP may look and appear to work like a traditional phone, but it connects to the internet not a telephone line.  There are several critical factors to consider regarding the impact of this service on your ability to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.  While VoIP is an attractive option, it is important for consumers to understand the potential limitations the technology has with respect to accessing 9-1-1.






Tips for Internet/Digital Phone Users (VoIP)

Check your service provider’s website for emergency calling features.

When calling 9-1-1, give your location and call back number.

Call back if you get disconnected.

If the power is out, your VoIP service may be out also.  Consider purchasing a back up power supply.

Be sure to keep your registered location current with your VoIP provider.

If you travel with VoIP adapter, be sure to update your registered location with your service provider.  The time it takes to process the update can vary considerably.  Therefore, when traveling, if you need 9-1-1 service, use another phone.

Inform children, babysitters and visitors about your VoIP service.

Post your address and call back phone number near your phone.

It is a good idea to know what police, fire and ambulance is responsible for your 9-1-1 call post their non emergency phone numbers near your phone.