Many people are making the decision to disconnect their home phone and use their cell phone as their home telephone. If you decide to use only a cell phone, keep these important tips in mind: When 911 is dialed from a land line phone from a home or business the caller's location and phone number is sent to the 911 center serving the perspective area, which allows the 911 call taker to dispatch police, fire, or ambulance to the caller's location, even if the caller cannot communicate with the 911 call taker.

When a wireless 911 call is made the call is transmitted to the nearest cell tower, which may be out of the jurisdiction in which the call was made. When this happens the 911 call taker will ask you for basic information and transfer you to the correct 911 center. This MAY present life-threatening problems due to the lost response time if the caller is unable to communicate where they are or where the emergency is located.

Communication centers that answer 911 calls have special text telephones for responding to 911 calls from deaf or hearing/speech impaired callers.

If a caller uses a TTY/TDD, the caller should:

• Stay calm and dial 911 using your TTY device.

• Give the call taker time to connect their TTY. If necessary, press the TTY keys again. The 911 call taker should answer and type "GA" for Go Ahead.

• Type what is needed, police/fire department/ambulance. Give your name, phone number, and the address where help is needed.

• Stay on the telephone if it is safe and type responses to the call takers questions.

Reverse 911 is a communications solution combining database and GIS mapping technologies to deliver messages to the public from the 911 center. The 911 center can quickly target a precise geographic area and saturate it with thousands of calls per hour regarding an emergency or warning information.

911 is the "universal emergency number" used throughout the United States. It is intended to give the public fast and easy access to public safety resources in an emergency. It is important that you know when to call and when not to call 911. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from Police/Sheriff, Fire or Ambulance. Never delay calling 911 because you are in doubt about whether a situation is an emergency or not. It is always better to make the call. The 911 call taker will help you determine what resources are appropriate.

Do NOT call 911: For information, directory assistance, as a prank or for your pet.