When do you call 911

All wireless phones, even those that are not subscribed to or supported by a specific carrier, can call If disconnected, the center has no way to call back the caller. These uninitialized phones are often used to place malicious or fake calls to call centers. These calls are a burden on the system because call centers are required to find out whether or not an emergency truly exists.

Oftentimes, parents provide these uninitialized wireless phones as toys to young children, unaware that if the child dials , a live call will be connected with the local call center. How can I prevent my child from accidentally dialing ? Teaching children when to call is just as important as teaching them how to place a call. A variety of resources are available to help parents and educators train children when and how to call For more information, visit for Kids.

Parents should also be aware that wireless phones without a current calling plan through a wireless provider are still capable of connecting a call to a local center. How do I place a "test" call to make sure works for me? Test calls confirm that your local service can receive your call and has the correct location information.

Test calls can be scheduled by contacting your local call center via its non-emergency phone number. To contact the local center responsible for answering calls from your location, go here and click on the state in which you are located. How do I know my local has the correct address for my home or business? Most counties have a addressing coordinator who is responsible for updating information regarding address changes or resolving address issues. The person responsible for operating the state system is listed there and they should know who you should talk to at the local government level.

How can I get a copy of a call? To contact the local center responsible for answering calls from a particular location, go here and click on the state in which the call was placed. How can I reach in a different state, county or city? With few exceptions, calls cannot be transferred to other towns, cities or states. The best option to obtain emergency assistance in a different state, county or city is to dial the digit phone number for law enforcement in the community where assistance is needed.

Here are some things to know to help you be ready. A emergency is when someone needs help right away because of an injury or an immediate danger. For example, call if:. You may feel scared or nervous if you have to call That's OK. The emergency operators who answer the phone talk to a lot of people, including adults, who are nervous or worried when they call.

And they are used to talking to kids. They may have unrealistic expectations about what will happen when they contact for emergency assistance. Check out these Frequently Asked Questions to learn about using There is a growing need for targeted and well-coordinated public education efforts about how to use appropriately.