Phone Calls at 4:00 This Morning

[Buckeyephan]

We got calls on our landline, cell phones and text messages at 3:47 this morning. Voice mail on phones and recording on landline were a notice of a male missing from Sumter Grand with instructions to call 911 or Sumter County Sheriffs office. We got calls again at 4:07 with update that he has dementia and cannot communicate. Sure hope they found him. Not sure why we were contacted at all let alone in the middle of the night on three different phones with different numbers. Pretty scary to have the phone ring in the middle of the night when my MIL is 95 and she has health issues. Did anyone else get these calls?

[JohnN]

yep, got 'em

[Stu from NYC]

We got them too. Scared the heck out of us as well. Did not say we got them so got two calls on our landline and each of our cells.

Hopefully they found the guy. Sure the family was frantically worrying about it.

[DeanFL]

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we did too, GD it! Yep scared the s out. She answered and said something about a missing person.

All I can say is WTF??? Who in their right mind would feel that a (supposed) mass call to homes at THAT hour would be helpful re that. Only to our landline...not cell or text.

I feel the only reason for a call at that hour is from Comm Watch re 'your garage door open'. Or Chinese bombers on the way. Or neighbor calling that your house is flaming.

C'mon folks --- whoever decided to alert as that - common sense.
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[bagboy]

So, the alert should have gone out after some of you have read the paper, watched the news on TV, and had your morning coffee? If you don't want to be bothered with an alert about a senior potentially in a life threatening situation because the timing is bad for you, Unsubscribe!!!

[DeanFL]

So, the alert should have gone out after some of you have read the paper, watched the news on TV, and had your morning coffee? If you don't want to be bothered with an alert about a senior potentially in a life threatening situation because the timing is bad for you, Unsubscribe!!!
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TWO CALLS at 4:00 AM!!! = to our landline - NOT text or our cells.

That's ALL I'm saying - Fine to TEXT ALERT as we typically receive. BUT HOME PHONE at that hour?

Did YOU get the calls?

Judgmental much?
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[Cobullymom]

So, the alert should have gone out after some of you have read the paper, watched the news on TV, and had your morning coffee? If you don't want to be bothered with an alert about a senior potentially in a life threatening situation because the timing is bad for you, Unsubscribe!!!
Why do you think more elderly people are going to get out of bed and go looking at 4 in the morning...

[asianthree]

Why do you think more elderly people are going to get out of bed and go looking at 4 in the morning...

An alert is not for search and rescue, It’s A BEWARE notification, in case this person comes to your door.

Of course what if it was your spouse that they would be searching for, then would a 3am call be OK.

It’s a simple thing if you don’t want to be notified of an issue then unsubscribe, it’s simple to do. To think things only happen from 10a to 4pm should be in a comedy act.

Sleep peacefully, without notification you will never know something is wrong.

[billyb1950]

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TWO CALLS at 4:00 AM!!! = to our landline - NOT text or our cells.

That's ALL I'm saying - Fine to TEXT ALERT as we typically receive. BUT HOME PHONE at that hour?

Did YOU get the calls?

Judgmental much?
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Why do people have land lines these days?

[msilagy]

First of all - landline, really needed? Then set cell phone to mute calls/texts between 10pm - 7am (whatever times you choose). With iPhones you can list relatives that are exempt from blocking so you can receive any emergency calls. This eliminate those people texting in the middle of the night thinking it won't wake you - well it did me!!! Problem solved.

[Stu from NYC]

An alert is not for search and rescue, It’s A BEWARE notification, in case this person comes to your door.

Of course what if it was your spouse that they would be searching for, then would a 3am call be OK.

It’s a simple thing if you don’t want to be notified of an issue then unsubscribe, it’s simple to do. To think things only happen from 10a to 4pm should be in a comedy act.

Sleep peacefully, without notification you will never know something is wrong.

Very well said. Did not like getting the call but if the guy comes to your door you will know what is going on.

[DIver0258]

We got calls on our landline, cell phones and text messages at 3:47 this morning. Voice mail on phones and recording on landline were a notice of a male missing from Sumter Grand with instructions to call 911 or Sumter County Sheriffs office. We got calls again at 4:07 with update that he has dementia and cannot communicate. Sure hope they found him. Not sure why we were contacted at all let alone in the middle of the night on three different phones with different numbers. Pretty scary to have the phone ring in the middle of the night when my MIL is 95 and she has health issues. Did anyone else get these calls?

We didn't get them. We don't have a landline and our cells are on do not disturb from 2200 to 0700. Family and neighbors are added to a list that can get through during the do not disturb hours.

I sincerely hope the individual is found safe. Has to be extremely scary for the family!

[gwenhwalker@yahoo.com]

Anyone registered for emergency notifications with Sumter County received calls

[DeanFL]

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yikes. A simple question by the OP, and a simple response by me - elicits these type of rsps?>>

First - so judgmental...

1. Again TWO phone calls at 4AM and just after.
2. We have ALWAYS received ALERTS via text or call our cells - NEVER Landline. Did THIS go out via text or cell - NOT to ours.
3. We don't live anywhere near the the missing person location - so him walking to our door and knocking...?
4. Did YOU folks receive the calls then???
5. We have a landline simply because we CAN, at no cost. Another means of comm.

...it's so simple to sit behind an anonymous naysayer keyboard.

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So, the alert should have gone out after some of you have read the paper, watched the news on TV, and had your morning coffee? If you don't want to be bothered with an alert about a senior potentially in a life threatening situation because the timing is bad for you, Unsubscribe!!!

It seems the person in question should have wandered away at a more convenient time, for you anyway.

An alert is not for search and rescue, It’s A BEWARE notification, in case this person comes to your door.

Of course what if it was your spouse that they would be searching for, then would a 3am call be OK.

It’s a simple thing if you don’t want to be notified of an issue then unsubscribe, it’s simple to do. To think things only happen from 10a to 4pm should be in a comedy act.

Sleep peacefully, without notification you will never know something is wrong

Why do people have land lines these days?

Very well said. Did not like getting the call but if the guy comes to your door you will know what is going on.

Anyone registered for emergency notifications with Sumter County received calls

[noslices1]

If you got the calls, you are signed ip for Sheriff ALERTS.

[44Apple]

I'm more intrigued that people still have landlines.

[DeanFL]

If you got the calls, you are signed ip for Sheriff ALERTS.

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pls read my prior post... We have ALWAYS gotten alerts via TEXT or CELL call. NEVER landline.

Did YOU get the calls at 4AM???
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[Guitarman1951]

Yes we did, scaring the hell out of us all. We have two convalescing relatives here with us and this call woke them and us. I know how important the alerts are but to send them out at 4 am when hardly anyone would be up and about is ridiculous. I would highly doubt any one getting dressed and going out to look for someone at 4 am.

[Guitarman1951]

Don't be ridiculous. Did you get up, get dressed and go out and look for this person at 4 am?

[Girlcopper]

So, the alert should have gone out after some of you have read the paper, watched the news on TV, and had your morning coffee? If you don't want to be bothered with an alert about a senior potentially in a life threatening situation because the timing is bad for you, Unsubscribe!!!
Exactly. They didnt just randomly pick your numbers. YOU enrolled to get alerts. Sorry you dont get to pick what times are convenient for YOU.

[DeanFL]

Exactly. They didnt just randomly pick your numbers. YOU enrolled to get alerts. Sorry you dont get to pick what times are convenient for YOU.

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please READ prior posts before JUDGEMENT.
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[Get real]

An alert is not for search and rescue, It’s A BEWARE notification, in case this person comes to your door.

Of course what if it was your spouse that they would be searching for, then would a 3am call be OK.

It’s a simple thing if you don’t want to be notified of an issue then unsubscribe, it’s simple to do. To think things only happen from 10a to 4pm should be in a comedy act.

Sleep peacefully, without notification you will never know something is wrong.

Thank you. Some people just like to complain about anything. :cus:

[donassaid]

Yes. Twice.

[J1ceasar]

I'm sure all of you will remember when we did not have cell phones and we only had landlines. There is no off button on a landline phone with there certainly is for cell phones as well as ringers off / do not disturb features. Obviously whoever sent the notifications, whether it's the sheriff or the state does not have their automatically set up correctly for only cell phones or for starting calls at 7:00 or 8:00 in the morning. I for one will definitely answer any call if it came in on a landline especially as I have older relatives and younger children to worry about

[J1ceasar]

And if it was your lost father in law, I am sure you would be worried also and glad everyone got phoned

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

WHATS A LAND LINE ???? My father once mentioned it !!!

[Joe C.]

I worked for "Ma Bell" from day 1 until I retired. I'll take a landline over a cellphone anytime. All cellphone conversations and texts are monitored by a computer. No person listens in, but computers are able to recognize certain words and phrases and they are noted. Cellphones are convenient, and most people won't be without them.
A landline is not monitored unless a court order is issued. When the power goes out, the landline still works. When the power at a cell tower goes out, you're out of luck. Also, no dead spots on a landline.
For me, cellphones are a PITA.

[Petersweeney]

They found him at Culver’s drive thru.....

[Barefoot]

I'll take a landline over a cellphone anytime. All cellphone conversations and texts are monitored by a computer. No person listens in, but computers are able to recognize certain words and phrases and they are noted. Cellphones are convenient, and most people won't be without them. For me, cellphones are a PITA.You may find it interesting that I don't have a cellphone.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I worked for "Ma Bell" from day 1 until I retired. I'll take a landline over a cellphone anytime. All cellphone conversations and texts are monitored by a computer. No person listens in, but computers are able to recognize certain words and phrases and they are noted. Cellphones are convenient, and most people won't be without them.
A landline is not monitored unless a court order is issued. When the power goes out, the landline still works. When the power at a cell tower goes out, you're out of luck. Also, no dead spots on a landline.
For me, cellphones are a PITA.
The next time I’m planning to overthrow the government, went through 2 massive hurricanes in south Florida never lost my service

[Rosebud1949]

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yikes. A simple question by the OP, and a simple response by me - elicits these type of rsps?>>

First - so judgmental...

1. Again TWO phone calls at 4AM and just after.
2. We have ALWAYS received ALERTS via text or call our cells - NEVER Landline. Did THIS go out via text or cell - NOT to ours.
3. We don't live anywhere near the the missing person location - so him walking to our door and knocking...?
4. Did YOU folks receive the calls then???
5. We have a landline simply because we CAN, at no cost. Another means of comm.

...it's so simple to sit behind an anonymous naysayer keyboard.

------------------------------------
So, the alert should have gone out after some of you have read the paper, watched the news on TV, and had your morning coffee? If you don't want to be bothered with an alert about a senior potentially in a life threatening situation because the timing is bad for you, Unsubscribe!!!

It seems the person in question should have wandered away at a more convenient time, for you anyway.

An alert is not for search and rescue, It’s A BEWARE notification, in case this person comes to your door.

Of course what if it was your spouse that they would be searching for, then would a 3am call be OK.

It’s a simple thing if you don’t want to be notified of an issue then unsubscribe, it’s simple to do. To think things only happen from 10a to 4pm should be in a comedy act.

Sleep peacefully, without notification you will never know something is wrong

Why do people have land lines these days?

Very well said. Did not like getting the call but if the guy comes to your door you will know what is going on.

Anyone registered for emergency notifications with Sumter County received calls

How sad, a person is ill and wanders away, ( could be you or your relative) and most are annoyed because they got interrupted sleep.

Many have Land lines as they are included with the Website and TV Cable. Some of us dont want a phone growing out from our ear, to talk while we drive, or the expense of buying one to load with Apps, and all our personal info that can get stolen in a flash. Some folk manage well without all the modern "Gizmo's" that some cant live without. Others actually talk to people face to face, what a novelty, and also hold a sensible conversation.

[Ptmckiou]

Most middle of the night alerts are to warn you NOT to go outside, because something is happening in your neighborhood...and to keep your doors locked. Better to error on the side of caution and put the alert out there.

[Jerry Leinsing]

I'm more intrigued that people still have landlines.

Without a land line you cannot be found. Even someone living 3 doors down could not be located in the villages phone book because of. No land line. I had to walk down there and give them the news. Their answer...we don’t want to be found.

[DeanFL]

How sad, a person is ill and wanders away, ( could be you or your relative) and most are annoyed because they got interrupted sleep.

Many have Land lines as they are included with the Website and TV Cable. Some of us dont want a phone growing out from our ear, to talk while we drive, or the expense of buying one to load with Apps, and all our personal info that can get stolen in a flash. Some folk manage well without all the modern "Gizmo's" that some cant live without. Others actually talk to people face to face, what a novelty, and also hold a sensible conversation.
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I will AGAIN ask this question of those who had replied negatively as you. WERE YOU AWAKENED at 4AM???

None of you had ever answered that, so truly - this matter does not apply, other than the continual naysaying behind that keyboard.

I've had it with some here...
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[Aces4]

So, the alert should have gone out after some of you have read the paper, watched the news on TV, and had your morning coffee? If you don't want to be bothered with an alert about a senior potentially in a life threatening situation because the timing is bad for you, Unsubscribe!!!


We’re curious as to how they got our cellphone number and permission to use it in the first place. We don’t remember signing up for silver alerts.

Anyway, we didn’t see him up north at 3:00 am and we doubt many seniors in TV were up at 4:00 am to come across this individual. A warning at 6:00 am would have arguably, been more appropriate.

[Stu from NYC]

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I will AGAIN ask this question of those who had replied negatively as you. WERE YOU AWAKENED at 4AM???

None of you had ever answered that, so truly - this matter does not apply, other than the continual naysaying behind that keyboard.

I've had it with some here...
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We were awaken twice by the land line and twice each by cell.

Actually once each by the cell as after the first time put the phones on the other side of the house.

Not happy to be woken in the middle of the night but understand the reason why.

[keepsake]

We live in a Big Brother world today. Willing to bet that this is ALL-IN, and you have to jump through hurdles to opt-out. So the minute they built the 'feature' everyone was added to 'the govt list', and maybe you can opt-out.

[Inexes@aol.com]

I'm more intrigued that people still have landlines.

Because it is a more reliable source if calling 911....... simple as that !!!

[john352]

We got calls on our landline, cell phones and text messages at 3:47 this morning. Voice mail on phones and recording on landline were a notice of a male missing from Sumter Grand with instructions to call 911 or Sumter County Sheriffs office. We got calls again at 4:07 with update that he has dementia and cannot communicate. Sure hope they found him. Not sure why we were contacted at all let alone in the middle of the night on three different phones with different numbers. Pretty scary to have the phone ring in the middle of the night when my MIL is 95 and she has health issues. Did anyone else get these calls?

I had signed up for AlertSumter a few years ago and had forgotten about it. There is a good chance that those who got automated phone calls in the middle of the night because they has signed up for AlertSumter. You can modify your info and/or opt-out.

Welcome to Sumter County, FL (https://www.sumtercountysheriff.org/services/alertsumter.php)

[Topspinmo]

We got calls on our landline, cell phones and text messages at 3:47 this morning. Voice mail on phones and recording on landline were a notice of a male missing from Sumter Grand with instructions to call 911 or Sumter County Sheriffs office. We got calls again at 4:07 with update that he has dementia and cannot communicate. Sure hope they found him. Not sure why we were contacted at all let alone in the middle of the night on three different phones with different numbers. Pretty scary to have the phone ring in the middle of the night when my MIL is 95 and she has health issues. Did anyone else get these calls?

Nope, need get rid of the landline 📞. All you get on them are scam calls.

[Topspinmo]

Because it is a more reliable source if calling 911....... simple as that !!!

Just get new number in area code you live in.

[Nucky]

You may find it interesting that I don't have a cellphone.

I have to admit Barefoot that you are the first person I've heard report No Cell Phone Since Well Since FOREVER! :faint: :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Stu from NYC]

If someone wants to list their number the new committee would be happy to call in the middle of the night to say hi.:)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I have to admit Barefoot that you are the first person I've heard report No Cell Phone Since Well Since FOREVER! :faint: :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

My next door neighbor doesn't have one either. Just a landline. I didn't have one until around 7 years ago when hubby insisted I get a flip-phone just so I could call out in case of emergency. I think I actually USED the darned thing 2-3 dozen times in the 3 years I owned it, and never learned the number. Mostly it was to ask hubby what he wanted me to bring home for supper on my way home from work.

Back on topic:

I turn my cell phone off at bedtime. So I don't get ANY alerts after 11pm. It's a simple solution.

I figure - if my sister's house burns down, it won't burn down any slower if she's able to call and tell me about it at 3 in the morning. If a relative dies, they won't stop being dead just because no one can reach me at 4AM. If MY house is burning down, I don't need someone to call me and tell me. I'll be experiencing it first-hand.

There is no emergency so great that I have to be woken up at 4 in the morning to find out about it, that won't keep until I get up 3 hours later.

[riley2011]

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we did too, GD it! Yep scared the s out. She answered and said something about a missing person.

All I can say is WTF??? Who in their right mind would feel that a (supposed) mass call to homes at THAT hour would be helpful re that. Only to our landline...not cell or text.

I feel the only reason for a call at that hour is from Comm Watch re 'your garage door open'. Or Chinese bombers on the way. Or neighbor calling that your house is flaming.

C'mon folks --- whoever decided to alert as that - common sense.
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Apparently you can’t respond without the gutter language.

[Aces4]

My next door neighbor doesn't have one either. Just a landline. I didn't have one until around 7 years ago when hubby insisted I get a flip-phone just so I could call out in case of emergency. I think I actually USED the darned thing 2-3 dozen times in the 3 years I owned it, and never learned the number. Mostly it was to ask hubby what he wanted me to bring home for supper on my way home from work.

Back on topic:

I turn my cell phone off at bedtime. So I don't get ANY alerts after 11pm. It's a simple solution.

I figure - if my sister's house burns down, it won't burn down any slower if she's able to call and tell me about it at 3 in the morning. If a relative dies, they won't stop being dead just because no one can reach me at 4AM. If MY house is burning down, I don't need someone to call me and tell me. I'll be experiencing it first-hand.

There is no emergency so great that I have to be woken up at 4 in the morning to find out about it, that won't keep until I get up 3 hours later.


We don’t utilize a land line any longer, not necessary. Our cellphones are always on and we have family which includes grandchildren. We are available to any family member, day or night, who may need assistance if there is an emergency. We wouldn’t make them wait until it’s convenient for us.

[asiebel]

We also recieved this call. The last call I recieved in the middle of the night was when my son and granddaughter were in a car wreck. Needless to say it scared us. I hope I unsubscribed from these calls!

[llmcdaniel]

I agree with the notification. We had an elderly lady with dinentia show up at our apt one time in her nightie. She was crying and couldn’t remember which door was hers. The police were very polite and sweet with her. The husband didn’t even realize she had wandered out.

[pqrstar]

"AMBER alerts are notifications issued by the Federal government, designed to help find abducted children. Your iPhone's AMBER alerts sound even if your phone is set to Do Not Disturb. You can disable AMBER alerts and other government notifications in the Settings app."

I googled "How to turn off amber alerts" and found instructions on how to do this on my cell phone.