Cell Phone Question

[Peazoup]

I, like many of my friends here, have kept our cell phone numbers from up north, or wherever we came from. My question is, what would happen when you dial 911 in an emergency? Does it first go to the 911 operator for that area code - in my case CT, then get routed here? Or does the call automatically come here? I was just wondering because valuable time could be lost in an emergency if the call was not direct.

[Cassie325]

That is an excellent question!!

I think I heard one time that there are no GPS towers (not sure what it is called) in the area. That no matter what phone number you are calling from, the crews need to know your crossroads. SO it is important to know your where abouts at all time...which is hard to do sometimes.



I don't know who the call would go to originally (will ask at work today)....but no matter what you need to know the main roads around you....

[Shirleevee]

Our Magic Jack is 911 capable. I asked this question and was told the call would go to the 911 center where ever the MJ was being used.

[Ooper]

I believe that when you make a 911 call using your cell phone, the nearest cell tower will pick up your transmission but the person answering it may be in a regional 911 center far off in another city or state. Today's enhanced 911 services should be able to pinpoint where you are within an area measured in feet. There shouldn't be any delay in lost time since calling from another state or across town to a nearby fire department, police department, hospital, or what have you, takes virtually the same amount of time.

[Cassie325]

This is information straight from Cheif Tucker:



"It would go to the closest tower and 911 center. It would not go back to their home area."



"It is best to know the cross streets at all times just in case. There is technology coming in the very near future that will give the 911 operator the GPS coordinates from your phone, but not every center has the technology."


This is GREAT NEWS!!

[784caroline]

This is the Number one reason why we decided to get a land line for the house.....emergency 911 calls. Just go to a Rec Center briefing when they are starting up a league sports program...they tell you right up front if an emergency occurs go to the rec center to call 911...unless you can direct the emergency call to your specific location their are NO GUARANTEES using a cell phone and it does not matter if the cell is a 352 or XXX number. I think you are kidding yourself with 911 being able to find a Majic Jack number or if they can it would take precious time.

As we all know, you never know you need something until you really need it!!

[Hawkwind]

I believe that all cell phones produced in the past 2 or 3 years all have GPS locator's that will give your location as long as that option is turned on. This is not the same option that is used for finding a restaurant or other points of interest.

Like others have mentioned it would be best to describe your location as accurately as possible to the dispatcher.

[Shirleevee]

This is the Number one reason why we decided to get a land line for the house.....emergency 911 calls. Just go to a Rec Center briefing when they are starting up a league sports program...they tell you right up front if an emergency occurs go to the rec center to call 911...unless you can direct the emergency call to your specific location their are NO GUARANTEES using a cell phone and it does not matter if the cell is a 352 or XXX number. I think you are kidding yourself with 911 being able to find a Majic Jack number or if they can it would take precious time.

As we all know, you never know you need something until you really need it!!

I am not kidding myself.........
Have you ever called 911 in an emergency? I have, I live in NY at the same address for 35 years and a c all to 911 from my Verizon land line could not get a response as my home couldn't be found in their system. This happened twice. Call the Fire Dept in a real emergency, they know where every house is because they are located in your community.

[Shirleevee]

According to Magic Jack FAQ's.

Your Question

Does 911 Emergency Service work with magicJack?

Category: All � 911 and 411 Services
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Answer

YES! 911 Emergency Services works with magicJack.

In an emergency, Dial 9-1-1.

NOTE: magicJack may not work during a power or internet outage.

Dialing 9-1-1:

1. REQUIRES prior activation on your part. You must register your current service address and update your registered address if you use your magicJack from another location.

2. WILL NOT function during a broadband or power disruption/outage.

3. WILL NOT function if the magicJack is damaged or disabled.

4. IS subject to the limitations of the 911 emergency response system where your registered address is located.

You should maintain an alternate means of dialing 911 and make sure other users of your magicJack know this.

[Shirleevee]

http://firstaid.about.com/od/callingforhelp/bb/cell911.htm

[Cassie325]

Good info Shirl..thanks for posting it....


In regards to the Rec Centers and the land lines...it is good to notify them of an emergency and they can call 911....this will help the dispatchers know exactly where to send the crews...HOWEVER....a cell phone or magic jack will work just fine.

I corresponded with Chief Tucker this afternoon.

He said that ANY cell phone or VOIP (ie magic jack) phone will come to the local 911 operator. Tell them where you are and as much information as you can. The EMT's, fire department, etc... here in TV's are one of a kind and respond in record time!

It is amazing how many people forget where they are within TV's. If you are out for an evening or during the day....take a moment to know where you are....what golf course, what rec center or pool. If you are at a friends...make sure you know what Village you are in....
I know this sounds like common sense...but you would be amazed at how many people forget...

GPS:
Regardless of whether your phone has GPS on it or not, TV's does not have the capability to be find the signal just yet....however as I state earlier....IT IS COMING SOON!!!! YEAH!!:pepper2:

[Peazoup]

Shirl, Cassie - thanks for taking the time to check on this. It's good information.