Cellular 911 Calls
In the last few years there has been a tremendous increase in the use of cellular phones. Most families have at least one cellular phone and frequently you will find two or more. While it has made it convenient in our increasingly busy lives to be able to make contact with our family and friends via cellular phone it can sometimes put a burden on the 911 systems.
As a cellular phone user you can help by doing the following.
- Know your cellular phone number, cellular phones do not display the phone number and location for the 911 operators like a landline will. Be aware of your current location and geographic points of reference such as cross streets, highways and directions so that emergency units can locate you.
- If you are calling to report something but have left the area, know the location of the incident you are calling about.
- Do not call 911 if it is not an emergency. Program in the non- emergency numbers for the police agencies where you travel often.
- If you are following a possible drunk driver or reckless driver and you have a passenger, let your passenger give the information to the 911 operators.
- Lock out the keypad on your cellular phone so that you do not accidentally dial 911. There are numerous accidental calls made daily to 911 centers that tie up emergency lines.
Remember to use your cellular phone wisely. When possible pull over to the side of the road to make or receive calls. Invest in an earpiece for your phone so that you have both hands free to drive safely.
|
