Wireless 911

General Tips for 9-1-1 and Cell Phones 

  • Keep your phone charged.
  • Dial 9-1-1, then press “Send” or “Talk.”
  • All cell phones are different so location may not be accurate. You will still be asked to provide location, address, or a landmark if you are able to speak.                      
  • Calls may drop or fail. 
  • Calls may not arrive at the correct 9-1-1 center of where your emergency is located 
  • Depending on cell towers your call may have to be transferred. 
  • 9-1-1 is not equipped to receive text messages or other data.

 

Inactive Cell Phones without a Service Plan 

  • Cell Phones may be provided by a non-profit organization, purchased at a store, through the internet or a garage sale. As long as the phone will hold an electrical charge, the   owner can still dial 9-1-1. DO NOT LET KIDS PLAY WITH THESE PHONES.
  • Provide your location. These phones’ most likely will not provide the location or have GPS activated for 9-1-1 staff to locate you.
  • Call back if you get disconnected, most of these phones cannot be called back, even by a 9-1-1 Telecommunicator.   

 

Pre-paid Minutes Cell Phones 

  • Provide your location. Some phone models or minute plans will not include GPS for Telecommunicators to easily track your location.
  • Tell the 9-1-1 Telecommunicator what the emergency is.
  • If you run out of minutes during a 9-1-1 call, the call will end. 9-1-1 cannot call you back.

 

If 9-1-1 is dialed accidently do not hang up, speak with the 9-1-1 operator.

Know your cell phone and how to use it in an emergency.

For more information or questions contact 

System Administrator Tina Daniels at 217-342-8474