Thursday, April 29, 2010

Do you remember a time when there was no 911 system?

It was our responsibility to have emergency phone numbers available. The 911 system has been a huge improvement and very reliable but we take it for granted as we do our much of our technology. We need to remember that all technology is dependent upon sometimes unpredictable things such as electricity, towers, satellites, and weather.

When the 911 system is interrupted, it is often during the worst possible time so we are reminding everyone to have the phone numbers to the police, fire, Veterinarian, and ambulance posted by your phones or in a location known by each member of the family.

Phone service may also be interrupted. It is important to check your home and cell phones by calling neighbors and establishing your own communication system in the event of an emergency. Neighbors should maintain contact with each other for mutual support. Being ready for the unexpected is what emergency preparedness is all about.

Remember, you can not Text 911. You must call and if you call from a cell phone you need to be prepared to give your location to the call taker.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Jennifer,
What services are available in a disaster other than phone? I heard from a speaker who was deeply involved in the Haiti relief efforts and she mentioned texting was the only thing that worked. I have also heard that cell towers can be flown in during an emergency. Could you shed a little more light on this for us? Working for 211, the issue is important to us as well.
Thanks!
-Matt, 211info

Anonymous said...

As to cell phones, if you have service (and during Katrina, text would work, but not voice over the damaged network) it may be a good idea to have E911 activated on your cell phone, so if you can get a message out, you can be triangulated.

Knowing your area by street name and compass direction may be useful as well. Having a communication plan in place first should be part of your emergency/ disaster kit/set up.