Cell Phone Safety

9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points in the WCTCOG region have experienced an increase of 9-1-1 calls from wireless phones and the calls will continue to increase as the number of wireless phone users increases.

Wireless phone users have a responsibility to understand the differences between dialing 9-1-1 on a wireless phone and dialing 9-1-1 on a wireline (landline) phone. Wireless phone calls are different from those calls made from a business or home because 9-1-1 operators can’t automatically identify your location.
Learning the procedure for making wireless 9-1-1 calls could save a life, including yours! When making a 9-1-1 call on a wireless phone, follow the advice of Cell Phone Sally:

• If you’re in a vehicle, pull over and stop.
• Dial 9-1-1 and immediately tell the call taker that you are calling from a wireless phone.
• Give your location first, then your name and cell phone number.
• Describe the nature of the emergency.
• Give a description of the individual or vehicle involved (if you are able to do so without putting yourself or others at risk).
• If you get disconnected, dial 9-1-1 again.
• Stay on the line until the call taker tells you to hang up.

The number of accidental cell phone calls to 9-1-1 has increased due to wireless phone users not utilizing the “key guard” functions on their phone. Always have your phone programmed in the “locked” or “key guard” position when the phone is on, but not in use. This will prevent your phone from accidentally dialing 9-1-1.