In October, 2017, the Douglas County Emergency Communications Center received 46,364 calls to 911. 30,914 of those calls were made from wireless devices - or cell phones. Technology has made it much easier to call 911 to report an emergency immediately. But with technology comes problems.
Douglas County Emergency Communication Center Director David Sleeter tells NewsRadio 1110 KFAB that it is important for the public to understand that there are limitations with wireless devices. Sleeter says, "With a landline call we are going to get the location of that phone where you are calling from. With a cellular call, because of the issue of your cell phone being a radio and it is a radio signal that has to travel to the nearest cellular tower; there can be obstructions to that. That can be within a building and the radio signal might not get out. Being mobile. Being behind buildings and things like that."
Sleeter says never assume that 911 operators know where you are calling from when using a wireless device. Be prepared to give the operator your location. He says know a cross street or a landmark to get emergency personnel on the way as soon as possible. The location is the most important piece of information that you can give to the 911 operator.
Other tips include: do not repeatedly call 911 and hang up before an operator answers. This only delays the call being answered. 911 callers can expect to be asked a number of questions. That helps public safety responders prepare manpower, equipment or put a response plan in place. If you accidently pocket dial 911, stay on the line until an operator answers. Otherwise the policy is to try to locate you and send help.
Sleeter says if you are unable to communicate effectively, or at all, you can always use your cell phone and text your emergency to 911.