Q:  Does the 9-1-1 call taker know my phone number when I call 9-1-1 on a cell phone?
A:  Maybe or maybe not, depending upon your cell phone and the technology available within the 9-1-1 center your 9-1-1 call connects with.  The safest way to approach the problem is to assume that the 9-1-1 call taker will not know your phone number and be prepared to provide them with that information.

Q:  Why is the 9-1-1 call taker asking me so many questions?
A:  Seconds save lives.  The more questions 9-1-1 call takers ask, the more information they can pass on to the emergency personnel responding to your 9-1-1 call.  This information allows the emergency personnel to more accurately prepare.

Q:  While the 9-1-1 call taker is speaking to me is help being sent?
A:  Once the basic information and reason for the 9-1-1 call is obtained, the 9-1-1 call taker stays on the line with the caller, if possible. In larger departments the call taker sends the information to a Police, Fire or EMS Dispatcher, who then dispatches the appropriate help the the 9-1-1 caller. In smaller departments, your call taker is also your dispatcher, and they may ask you to hold on for a few seconds while they dispatch the appropriate units.

Q:  Why does the dispatcher transfer my call to another agency?
A:  Your call to 9-1-1 may need to be transferred to another agency because cell phone calls are sent to a 9-1-1 answering point based on cell radio coverage.  Cell coverage areas don't always match political boundaries, so most calls are routed to a 9-1-1 answering point that serves the majority of the area.  Your call may need to be transferred to the appropriate agency for that area.

Q:  Why does the call taker transfer my call to another person sometimes?
A:  Each 9-1-1 center is unique.  Some 9-1-1 personnel are trained to take any 9-1-1 call that comes to them.  Others are only trained to take police, fire, or medical related calls.  Be assured that if a 9-1-1 call has to be transferred, it is to give the caller the best response.

Q:  What do I do if I'm cut off after they answer?
A:  Always try to call 9-1-1 back.  Don't wait for the 9-1-1 call taker to try to contact you.  They may not have received your cell phone number in the initial 9-1-1 call and may need additional information.

Q:  Can I keep driving when I call 9-1-1 on a cellular phone?
A:  It is usually best to pull over when calling 9-1-1, as there is less chance of the cell phone signal being dropped if in a stationary location.  Additionally, any emergency instructions that need to be carried out can best be done while stopped.  Finally, if help needs to reach you it is best to be in one place so help can get to you, instead of trying to met them somewhere.  If you cannot safely pull over to speak to 9-1-1 then stay calm, pay attention to the roadway with surrounding vehicles, and follow the 9-1-1 call taker's instructions.

Q:  Should I program 9-1-1 or turn on my auto 9-1-1 feature on my cellular phone?
A:  NO,please don't program 9-1-1 or use the auto 9-1-1 feature.  There are numerous accidental calls to 9-1-1 from cell phones that have this feature.  The callers often don't realize that their phone has called 9-1-1.  Help reduce accidental calls to 9-1-1 by only calling when you have a life-threatening emergency and always lock your keypad.

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