Don’t put your child’s name on his or her backpack or clothing. If your child’s name is easily readable on his or her backpack, it makes it easier for strangers to approach them.
We recommend that you pull over when calling 9-1-1, as there is less chance of the cell phone signal being dropped in the middle of the call. Also, any emergency instructions that need to be carried out can best be done while you're stopped. Remember, it is best to be in one place so help can get to you, instead of trying to meet them somewhere. If you cannot safely pull over to speak to a 9-1-1 operator, then stay calm, pay attention to the roadway with surrounding vehicles, and follow the call taker's instructions.
Random FAQs
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) also called Internet, digital, broadband, or cable phone service is a rapidly growing alternative to traditional phone service. Its popularity is fueled primarily by low prices, new features and the consumer's ability to choose a phone number from nearly anywhere in the country (and sometimes, other countries). Many industry experts anticipate VoIP's growth will outpace the growth seen by the wireless industry in the last decade.
VoIP may look and appear to work like a traditional phone, but it connects to the internet not a telephone line. There are several critical factors to consider regarding the impact of this service on your ability to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. While VoIP is an attractive option, it is important for consumers to understand the potential limitations the technology has with respect to accessing 9-1-1.
Tips for Internet/Digital Phone Users (VoIP)
- Check your service provider's website for emergency calling features.
- When calling 9-1-1, give your location, and call back number.
- Call back if you get disconnected.
- If you travel with your VoIP adapter, your call may not reach the correct 9-1-1 center. Call from another phone.
- Verify that you can access 9-1-1 with your phone. Check your service provider's Web site for emergency calling features.
- Be sure to keep your registered location current with your VoIP provider. This is very important if you move!
- If the power is out, your VoIP service may be out too. Consider purchasing a back-up power supply.
- If you travel with your VoIP adapter, be sure to update your registered location with your service provider. The time it takes to process the update can vary considerably. Therefore, when traveling, if you need 9-1-1 service, use another phone.
- Inform children, babysitters, and visitors about your VoIP service.
- Post your address and call back phone number near your phone.
- It is a good idea to know what police, fire or sheriff's department is responsible for your 9-1-1 call and have their phone number on hand to provide to the call taker.
- Consider keeping a land line phone for accessing 9-1-1 emergency services.
We do not recommend that you program 9-1-1 or use the auto 9-1-1 feature on your cell phone. There are numerous accidental calls to 9-1-1 from cell phones that have this feature, especially when the cell phone inadvertently presses against another object and activates the programmed call. In most cases, cell phone owners have no idea their phone has called 9-1-1. Help reduce accidental calls to 9-1-1 by only calling when you have a life-threatening emergency.
The Postal Service will continue to deliver to your old address for a period of up to one year after you are issued a 9-1-1 address. It is your responsibility to contact everyone you correspond with to provide them your new address. This includes the tax office, banks, magazine subscriptions, utility companies, and all others that send you any mail. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has address change forms that may be used for this purpose.
9-1-1 needs to have a locatable address for every structure that could potentially call 9-1-1. Even if you receive mail at a Post Office Box or from another location you must still have a 9-1-1 address so you can be located in an emergency. Your 9-1-1 address is also used for package delivery services.
Pike County 9-1-1 staff strives to have an address assigned within ten (10) business days from receiving the request. However due to several factors such as address discrepancies, private drive naming or staffing levels that goal is not always met.
