• E9-1-1
• Introduction
• What is E9-1-1?
• Calling 9-1-1
  • About Calling 9-1-1
  • Cellular Calls
  • VoIP Calls
• Amber Alerts
  • AMBER stick
  • Amber Alert Information
• Senior Citizens
• Rural House Numbering System
• Updating Your Information
• What Is It to Be a Dispatcher?

Emergency Reporting with a Cellular Phone

The cellular phone is a wonderful tool for 9-1-1, if used properly.

If a motorist who has a cellular phone happens to come upon an emergency, he or she should be prepared to give specific information to the emergency agency called. Most dispatchers will ask for facts, so be prepared to answer with details like nearby roads and local information.

Cellular callers should never risk their own safety. Calling for trained, professional help is the best approach, although in an immediate life-threatening situation it may be appropriate to take rescue action provided the “rescuer” is not endangered.

In every instance, the dispatcher will ask the caller’s name, mobile phone number, and/or home or work number in case more information is needed. IMPORTANT: A caller should stay on the phone until the dispatcher says he or she has enough information to be able to send help.

• location of the emergency (road number, closest street or off-ramp, other identifiers, direction of travel, or any distinguishing landmarks)
• the nature of the emergency (crash, reckless or intoxicated driver, medical emergency, traffic hazard, fire or crime in progress, etc.)

It is almost impossible to provide accurate information and drive at the same time.

• pull over, turn on your hazard lights, and stop
• please don’t call several miles away from the emergency.
• it is important to remain calm and provide as much information as possible
• pay attention to the road numbers and know where you are
• program the 7-digit phone number 722-6060 into your phone for non-life threatening calls

It’s very scary to get involved sometimes; however, you would want someone to be involved if it were your loved one. Make the call, stay on the line, and never risk your own safety.

Understand the risks of relying on a wireless phone when calling for help; it doesn’t work the same way when dialing 9-1-1 from a landline.

Remember that weather can play a factor with your cell coverage when there is icing on towers.

Always make sure your battery is full charge, or have a vehicle adaptor available when traveling.

If you have questions please feel free to contact your county E9-1-1 director, Lori Forrer, at 574.753.7887 or .

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Cellular Phone
Ask questions before buying a particular wireless phone and signing up for service, such as:

• "Does this model phone provide the latest E911 technology?"
• "Will this phone provide location-identifying technology?"
• (if not) "When will the carrier begin offering this technology and service?"
• "How can I avoid accidentally dialing 911?"