Black background and white print graphic of telephone and the numbers 911, with words "Police", "Fire", "Medical" and "Emergency"
Today many of us take for granted that first responders and law enforcement are just a 3 digit dial away – but what if we cant dial that simple number? Asking ‘what if’ from time to time, and thinking through the results can be a wise move. 911 services have become a rock solid staple in recent years but it still relies on dialing 9-1-1. Though careful education, children can help play a vital role in family safety by understanding how 911 works and the responsibilities that go with it. A great informative website that promotes 911 usage for children is www.911forkids.com and is full of videos, materials for discussion, and articles on the matter.
Technology has complimented existing 911 services with the advent of TTY for those not able to use a traditional telephone, but it doesn’t stop there. Assistive technology equipment is available for a variety of needs such as wireless emergency dialers that can be carried on a lanyard for unexpected emergencies when a person is not capable to reach a regular telephone or over sized buttons for those with poor sight.
Cell phones have played a vital role in 911 usage providing contact to first responders not possible before, but did you know that many traditional cell phone GPS are only accurate to within a 300 foot radius? Smart phones with navigation can be much more accurate, but if your smart phone is indoors or does not have the battery draining enhanced GPS equipment turned on, it too will only be accurate to roughly 300′. Certainly this is something to keep in mind if you are unable to speak into the phone to give an exact address.
Like all land line carriers, ICTC phone service can be a lifeline, helping all of our customers be connected to first responders and medical help from only 3 digits away.