Special Note for Cell Phone Users

Sheriff


Attention Cell Phone Users!
It is important to note that receiving your precise location information from a cell phone can be delayed.  Your voice will go to the dispatcher first then your location is determined by the cellular provider.  Therefore it is important to know your surroundings when making a 9-1-1 call from a wireless phone.

  • What is your exact location?
  • What city you are in or near?
  • What is the name of the road you are on?
  • What are the cross streets?
  • What is the nearest mile marker?
  • What is your name and wireless phone number you are calling from?


Preventing Unintentional 9-1-1 Calls from Wireless Devices 
If you have 9-1-1 pre-programmed into your telephone for one-touch dialing, please lock your phone when you are not using it, so that you cannot accidentally dial 9-1-1.  Check for this feature in your phone's manual or with your phone dealer.

Dispatchers have had instances of people calling on their cell phones by accident (by bumping or sitting on their phone), and then going on with their day unaware that the dispatcher is on the line and trying to talk with them.

This ties up not only a channel in the communications system, but also some of the dispatcher's time -- and both of these are needed in order to respond to actual emergencies.