Things To Remember

Prevent Accidental Wireless 9-1-1 Calls

• Each month, over 1200 Wireless 9-1-1 calls for service are received by Lewis County Communications. Cellphones have proven to be an invaluable tool for help when an emergency arises. Quick access to 9-1-1 services is one of the most common reasons why people choose to purchase a wireless phone.
• This important service is in jeopardy because wireless phones can easily dial 9-1-1 on their own, without the phone's owner being aware that the 9-1-1 call has been made. It's estimated that accidental dialing causes over 20% of the wireless 9-1-1 calls in Lewis County. Accidental 9-1-1 calls are made when the phone is put in a pocket or purse, and gets bumped. Another problem is that adults give their old wireless phones to children as toys. Phones with no wireless service can still dial 9-1-1, and 9-1-1 calls from children playing with a phone are not uncommon.
• Lewis County Communications is asking for the public's help in reducing the number of accidental 9-1-1 calls from wireless phones. Each person who owns a wireless phone can do their part to help solve this problem by following 3 easy steps.
  
  1. Lock your keypad
  2. Turn off the 9-1-1 auto dial feature (not all wireless phones have this feature)
  3. Do not program 9-1-1 into the speed dial (Wireless phone users are encouraged to consult their phone's manual or contact their carrier for assistance in performing these steps on their phone.)
• Accidental 9-1-1 calls tie up the phone lines in the wireless carrier's networks in the 9-1-1 systems, and this blocks real emergency calls from getting through. Accidental calls also tie up the 9-1-1 call takers, so they are not available to answer real 9-1-1 calls.
• Preventing accidental 9-1-1 calls will be even more critical when our 911 Center implements FCC Phase 2 wireless service is able to determine the location of the caller and send a law enforcement responder. Early 2004 is the target for the FCC Phase 2 feature.

E911 Things to Remember

• When you call 911, it can take 7 seconds or more for the call to be processed through the complex 911 switches when placing a call from Lewis County. Even if you don’t hear the phone ring immediately after dialing 911, stay on the line and do not hang up. If you are calling from a phone which routes through a PBX, that may add several more seconds.
• In the event of a severe earthquake or major natural disaster, the 911 circuits may become overloaded. Be sure to have the local seven digit number of the Communications Center (740-1105), and the phone numbers and addresses of your local police and fire departments handy.
• Lewis County Communications provides public education materials and speakers to schools, service clubs, etc. Please call the administrative office at 360-740-1464 and ask for the Public Education coordinator.