The Perfect Time for 9-1-1 Education Month and Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Throughout April, public safety entities will celebrate 9-1-1 Education Month and National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW), April 10^th -16^th, 2022. For over 50 years, 9-1-1 has served as a vital component of emergency response, and telecommunicators (sometimes referred to as 9-1-1 call-takers or dispatchers) have helped save countless lives. They answer the calls for help day and night, handling the most challenging situations. 

9-1-1 educators will be out in the community sharing many important 9-1-1 education messages this month, such as Know Your Location; Call if You Can, Text if You Can’t; and Lock It in Your Pocket. They will also be educating businesses or other locations using multi-line telephone systems about Kari’s Law and providing direct access to 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Let’s review some of the critical messages now.

Know Your Location

It is imperative to practice awareness and know your location at all times. You never know when you might be in an emergency and will need to call 9-1-1 for help. One of the first questions a call-taker usually asks is, “What is the location of your emergency?”

The call-takers do not know your exact location when calling 9-1-1 from your cell phone. If you are in an emergency and do not know the address of your location, you can still provide the nearest mile markers, cross streets, and landmarks. Make sure to answer all the call-takers questions too.

Call if You Can, Text if You Can’t

Many 9-1-1 call centers now can accept text messages to 9-1-1. This message is a good reminder that it is always important to call 9-1-1 when in an emergency. Sometimes, placing a call may not be possible. If you have texting available on your cell phone, you can place a text to 9-1-1. Should the text not be able to be delivered, you will receive a message from your carrier with instructions to place a call to 9-1-1.   

Examples of when to use  Text-to-911:

·       You are deaf or hard of hearing

·       Your safety would be compromised if you were to speak out loud

For more information on Text-to-911, please visit the FCC website at https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/what-you-need-know-about-text-911.

Lock It in Your Pocket

Cell phones can easily pocket dial anyone, including 9-1-1. To ensure you do not accidentally contact 9-1-1, always lock your cell phone before putting it away. You can help eliminate non-emergency calls from tying up the lines needed for actual emergencies when you “Lock It in Your Pocket.”

NPSTW History

NPSTW was created to recognize the significant contribution of 9-1-1 telecommunicators in ensuring the community has access to emergency services. This important week of recognition was started in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California. To read more on the back- story, please view this link: NPSTW History.

Take the time to thank our 9-1-1 telecommunicators for their critical and dedicated service. Below is Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Proclamation for NPSTW. If you ever find yourself in an emergency, please do not hesitate to contact 9-1-1 for help. 

Joining the 9-1-1 Organization(s) for You!

There are many organizations in the 9-1-1 world, and someone new to the industry might not be sure where to start, which organizations to join, or which conferences to attend. This blog breaks down a few organizations and who is usually involved in each organization.

Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO)

Mission Statement

“APCO is an international leader committed to providing complete public safety communications expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy, and outreach to benefit our members and the public.” 

APCO is the oldest and largest public safety communications professionals’ organization globally and has many resources for all 9-1-1 professionals. Many 9-1-1 industry leaders enjoy participating in their annual national conference. Not only do they have an annual national conference, but they also have local Chapter conferences and training available to empower those in 9-1-1. 

You can learn more about APCO by visiting their website at https://www.apcointl.org/. APCO also has an annual membership fee, which provides many opportunities for 9-1-1 professionals.

National Emergency Number Association (NENA)

Mission Statement

“The 9-1-1 Association improves 9-1-1 through research, standards development, training, education, outreach, and advocacy. Our vision is a public made safer and more secure through universally-available state-of-the-art 9-1-1 systems and trained 9-1-1 professionals.” 

Many might argue that NENA has a little bit of something for everyone, whether you are a 9-1-1 coordinator, a PSAP manager, or a 9-1-1 call-taker - and they certainly do! Not only do they have a national conference each year, but many local Chapters also hold annual conferences. There are opportunities for you to work with your peers, get various training and certifications to boost your 9-1-1 knowledge, keep up to date on pending legislation, and more.

There is a fee to join, but you get a lot of perks with your membership. You can learn more about NENA by visiting their website here: https://www.nena.org/.

National Public Safety Educators Forum (NPEF)

This organization was created over 12 years ago between passionate 9-1-1 public educators who saw a need for more education and training geared toward public educators in the industry. They formed NPEF and started providing an annual conference. They offer many resources for educators to use at their fingertips on the NPEF Dropbox and their website. NPEF also regularly provides live webinars (recordings provided on the NPEF website after) and e-blasts with updated conference and outreach information about the conference.

Want to learn more about this non-profit organization for public safety educators? Visit their website and become a member for free (www.911npef.org)! Registration is now open for the 2022 Virtual NPEF conference on July 26^th and 27^th. Register here: https://www.911npef.org/event-details/2022-npef-virtual-conference. NPEF will be back in person in Austin in 2023.

No matter what organization(s) you decide to join, you are sure to learn more about the 9-1-1 industry and how it all operates. 

Brand New Year, Same Important 9-1-1 Tips!

As we ring in 2022, we hope this new year is filled with joyous times. We head into the new year with goals in mind and the hopes for a brighter year. While we head into a new year, one thing remains the same: the importance of 9-1-1 public education. Cell Phone Sally compiled a list of her favorite tips to ensure you and your loved ones have a great new year and are prepared if you ever find yourself in an emergency.

Always Know Your Location

The easiest way to do this is to be constantly aware of your surroundings. This way, you never miss something that could be vital information later. Look for street names, landmarks, mile markers, and anything else that might help a 9-1-1 call-taker find you during an emergency.

Kari’s Law

Kari’s Law started as a state law in Texas in 2015. In 2018, it became federal law. Kari’s Law means that all multi-line telephone systems  (MLTS) should be able to direct-dial 9-1-1 without dialing an additional digit such as 9. If your company or a company you work for utilizes MLTS phones, check with your IT department to see if they direct dial 9-1-1. For more information on Kari’s Law, visit the CSEC’s website.

Be Prepared for Any Emergency

Do you have an emergency plan in place for your family? If you don’t, now is the time to plan, especially since we are starting a fresh new year. Visit www.ready.gov for all the ins and outs on disaster preparedness! You can also visit https://www.dhs.gov/plan-and-prepare-disasters for more information from the Department of Homeland Security.

Be Aware of Unsafe Products and Recalls

Keep your family safe from potentially dangerous products. You can find out about unsafe products here: http://www.cpsc.gov/.

Get Involved in Health and Wellness!

It is vital to keep your family healthy. Here are the top ten tips for keeping your family healthy this year!

·       Eat healthily. Limit your fast-food intake

·       Physical activity. This means walking, riding bikes, jogging, weightlifting, and more. Anything that gets your heart rate up!

·       Drink water: Drink a glass of water with each meal and between meals. It is also essential to drink water before, during, and after exercise.

·       No stress: Set boundaries and stick to them. Develop a good sleep routine. Talk it out with a friend and be mindful.

·       Regular check-ups: A regular dental check-up is crucial because they help keep your teeth and gums healthy. You should have a routine dental visit at least every six months or as recommended by your dentist. And why is visiting your doctor annually a good idea as well? It reduces your risk of getting sick. It can detect potentially life-threatening health conditions or diseases earlier, increasing chances for treatment and cure. Lastly, it limits the risk of complications by monitoring existing conditions closely.

Know the Number to Poison Control Services

Not sure if you can mix certain medications? Have an allergic reaction to something and are not sure if you should go to the emergency room? Get bit by a spider and not sure if it is poisonous? All of these questions can get answered and more - free of charge! Go ahead and memorize this number or save it in your phone now: 1-800-222-1222. Visit the Poison Control website here for more information: http://www.poisoncontrol.org/.

These are just a few tips to make your new year the best it can be! And as always, remember- if you are ever in an emergency and need help, please do not hesitate to call or text 9-1-1!

 

9-1-1 Holiday Safety Tips to Remember as You Celebrate with Loved Ones

The holidays are when people get together and enjoy extra time with family and friends. This might be the first time in a while you have celebrated with loved ones due to the pandemic. It is essential to put safety first as we plan the holidays. Follow these great reminder tips to keep you and your family safe this holiday season.

Christmas Trees

Many families will buy a natural Christmas tree for their homes. Some things to keep in mind include always keeping the tree watered. When a tree does not get watered, it dies and dries out. This then becomes a fire hazard.

Other tips for trees include placing a tree in areas not too close to heat, a fireplace, or candles. After the holidays are over, the best way to dispose of your tree is to take it to a recycling center or have it picked up by community service.

Holiday Lights and Decorations

Decorating can be jolly and fun, but safety is still a must when putting out your holiday décor. Inspect holiday lights for possible frayed wires or broken lights. Replace broken lights, throw out lights that are not working correctly, and not overload your electrical outlets. Too many plugs into one outlet can be a severe safety hazard. Instead, buy extension cords and multi-outlet plugs.

Traveling During the Holidays

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the safest way to avoid spreading or contracting COVID-19 is to stay home and celebrate the holidays with family virtually. If you do travel, please wear masks in crowded areas, practice social distancing and wash your hands often.

Also, make sure to never post on social media when you are out of town. If the wrong people get ahold of this information, your home could be burglarized.  It would be best if you kept an eye on your digital security. Many transactions during the holidays give more opportunities to fall prey to identity theft. Remember to only shop at reputable online stores and use a virtual private network to add an extra layer of security to your surfing.

Calling 9-1-1 During the Holidays

Please remember that 9-1-1 is for emergencies only.  When we dial 9-1-1 for anything other than an emergency, we take away emergency resources from someone who could need them. But if you do see an emergency or are involved in one, please do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 for help.

Cell Phone Sally wishes you a safe holiday season!

Back to the Basics: When and When Not to Call 9-1-1

Have you ever found yourself in an emergency? Did you call 9-1-1 for help? For decades we have learned the basics of when and when not to call 9-1-1. But we usually learn at a young age and never really discuss it again until a situation arises where we might need help.

With many accidental calls occurring daily around the country, we decided to bring it back to the basics and review when and when not to call 9-1-1. Before we do that, let’s review the definition of an emergency in the dictionary:   a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action. To take that a little further, an emergency, in our case, is when an event occurs that requires police, firefighters, or an ambulance.

When to Call 9-1-1

• When lives are at risk (examples include a medical emergency, a severe car accident, or a fire, to name a few)
• When you need the police, fire department, or paramedics

When Not to Call 9-1-1

•  As a game or joke
• When there is NOT an emergency (Be careful not to accidentally dial 9-1-1 when you stick it in your back pocket.)
• As practice

Once you call, the first question most 9-1-1 call-takers will ask you is, “What is the location of your emergency?” Without this critical piece of information, they are unable to route emergency services to you. Make sure if you are calling, you always know your location. You might not always know the specific address, but anything you can provide to help get emergency services to you quickly can help. Some examples include knowing cross streets, landmarks,  and mile markers too.

What are some other numbers you can call for help?

What a great question! Maybe you require assistance in another way. Here is a list of resources that can help you in other ways:

Poison Control 1-800-222-1222

National Suicide Hotline 988

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline 1-800-950-(NAMI) (6264)

Practice Smart and Safe Living During National Safety Month

This year marks the 25^th year to recognize National Safety Month. Unfortunately, accidental injury is the third leading cause of death for the first time in our history. According to the National Safety Council, an American is accidentally injured every second and killed every three minutes by a preventable event, like a drug overdose, vehicle crash, fall, drowning, or another preventable incident. While this might be the case, that doesn’t mean there are no measures to put in place to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. So use this time to get into action and be prepared for anything!

Below are some safety issues and tips that can assist you in living a healthier life:

Emergency Preparedness

When it comes to emergency preparedness, you can never be too prepared. Planning can keep you and your family safe when an emergency might strike. From natural disasters to terrorist attacks to blackouts, emergencies can be downright scary. But, the better prepared you are, the calmer you can be in conquering these emergencies.

How can you be prepared?

·          Purchase or build an emergency supply kit. (www.ready.gov/build-a-kit)

·          Write down a family emergency plan and figure out where to meet up when an emergency occurs. (www.ready.gov/make-a-plan)

·          Learn what to do when it comes to various types of emergencies. (www.ready.gov/be-informed)

Ergonomics

Let’s face it. Most jobs include sitting for the majority of the workday. While sitting at a desk all day might not sound hazardous to your health, it can cause many back and neck problems. A body that rests stays resting, which is why it is good to get up regularly and move around when working at a desk all day.  Other jobs have potential hazards at work, so it is essential to practice good ergonomics (fitting a job to a person). This can help lessen muscle fatigue, increase productivity and prevent unwanted injuries.

Below are some basic safety measures while working:

·       Lift items correctly and safely.

·       Take short breaks and stretch your muscles when doing strenuous work.

·       Wear protective equipment.

·       Get enough rest before work so that you are alert.

·       Take steps to manage stress.

For more information on ergonomics that fit your job, visit https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/.

Transportation Safety

We all know how important it is to wear your seatbelt. But it is also imperative to not participate in distracted driving. How can we eliminate distracted driving? Keep your phone out of your hands and put it away, and try not to eat or do any other type of activity while driving. Distracted driving is hazardous- almost 1 in 5 crashes (that’s 17 percent!) where someone was injured involved distracted driving.

Here are some additional tips from the National Safety Council:

·       Making sure every passenger buckles up every trip.

·       Designating alcohol and drug-free driver or arranging alternate transportation.

·       Getting plenty of sleep and taking regular breaks to avoid fatigue on long trips.

·       Never using a cell phone behind the wheel.

·       You are staying engaged with your teens’ driving habits. An NSC survey found many parents are more inclined to loosen household driving rules during the summer. 

Slips, Trips, and Falls

It is essential always to be aware of your surroundings. For example, did you know that one in three older adults falls each year? Unfortunately, many of those falls lead to health problems, including broken bones. According to the CDC, in 2002, more than 12,800 people over 65 died, and 1.6 million were treated in the ER due to falls.

Common hazards in the home that to be aware of are usually the reason for these falls. With this checklist, you can learn how to fix these hazards and help prevent unnecessary falls: http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/pubs/English/booklet_Eng_desktop-a.pdf.

Prescription Painkiller Abuse

Prescription painkiller abuse is a growing epidemic in the U.S. Here is a scary fact: One in 12 workers are dealing with an untreated substance use disorder.  It’s time we change those statistics!

Learn how to use medicines safely with these helpful tips from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/everyday-healthy-living/safety/use-medicines-safely.

Remember to focus on safety this month, and you are sure to come out more prepared! If you do ever find yourself in an emergency, please do not hesitate to contact 9-1-1 for immediate help.

Celebrating 9-1-1 Education Month and 9-1-1 Telecommunicator Week

April marks the recognition of 9-1-1 Education month as well as National 9-1-1 Telecommunicator Week (April 11-17, 2021).  During this time, 9-1-1 entities all over educate how more important than ever 9-1-1 education is for both adults and children. For over 40 years, 9-1-1 has served as an essential part of emergency services. This month symbolizes the importance of public education about 9-1-1 the proper use of this service. 

While many people are aware of the significance of 9-1-1 and using it correctly, there are still many people who are not. An example is by cutting down on misuse or abuse of 9-1-1. This will really help 9-1-1 telecommunicators (also known as 9-1-1 call-takers) respond to real emergencies quicker and more efficiently.

Learning about 9-1-1 safety can be lots of fun with the right educational tools and there are many out there. Some examples of 9-1-1 entities throughout the U.S. who do a great job include Charleston County 9-1-1 and West Central Texas Council of Governments, and Greater Harris County, just to name a few (check out their Facebook pages!). The Commission on State Emergency Communications also created Cell Phone Sally along with her friends in 2010 to assist in conveying three basic messages to the public: when to call 9-1-1, how to call 9-1-1, and what to say in case of a police, fire, medical or poison emergency. To learn more about Cell Phone Sally visit her Facebook page or the CSEC website.

You can also check out www.know911.org and see the selection of publications and educational materials geared toward adults, seniors and children that assist in education and importance of 9-1-1.

Last but not least, in showing gratitude during 9-1-1 Telecommunicator Week, take the time to thank a call-taker for their dedicated service. A little appreciation goes a long way. Below, you will find the Texas Governor’s Proclamation for TC Week. Thank you call-takers for all that you do!

Fire Prevention Week: A Great Time to Review Fire Safety and Prevention

October 4^th through 10^th marks Fire Prevention Week. Since we are home now more than ever, it’s important we know how to stay safe! Do you know what the five leading causes of house fires are? The biggest causes of fires include candles, cooking, heating, smoking, and electrical. By learning tips to prevent fires, we can all do our part to help lower the amount of house fire occurrences.

Following these tips will help you be more informed and better prepared.

Fire Prevention Tips

·       The leading cause of fires is unattended cooking. Make sure you are always monitoring any food when you are cooking- this means frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. Never leave your cooking unattended.

·       When cooking, make sure to always keep a lid in reach. A grease fire can get out of hand quickly. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the top of the pan and shut off the burner. Leave it covered until it cools.

·       Keep cooking areas a kid-free zone! A good three feet of distance away from the stove and hot items will help ensure no one gets hurt accidentally.

·       Space heaters are also a leading cause of fires. Keep anything that can catch fire and burn at least three feet away from a heater.

·       Keeping heating equipment and chimneys in good working condition by having them cleaned and inspected once a year.

·       Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your house. You should test them monthly. By having working smoke alarms, you cut your chances of a house fire in half!

·       Smoking alarms should be in each bedroom and in hallways and areas right outside of bedrooms.

·       Never leave a candle burning unattended. Keep space around burning candles so nothing can catch fire.

Looking for more tips on how to practice fire safety and prevention? Check out all the videos and resources available at the National Fire Protection Association. And always remember- if you find yourself in an emergency, never hesitate to call 9-1-1 for help.

Hurricane Safety: What You Need to Know

Hurricanes are a destructive force. They can eliminate landmarks, homes and, even take lives. It is important to know hurricane safety and to be prepared in an emergency.  By reviewing these tips, you should know what to do before a hurricane, during a hurricane and after a hurricane hits your region.

The best time to prepare is before hurricane season starts (in June). Follow these simple steps:

·       Gather items and put together an emergency kit that can last you several days. For tips on what should be included in your emergency kit (water, food, and supplies) please visit  https://www.ready.gov/kit.

·       Write out your family’s emergency plan. Before an emergency happens, sit with your family, or loved ones and discuss your plan. How will you get in touch with each other? Where will you go? And what will you do? You can find lots of emergency plans on the www.ready.gov website.

·       Look over your insurance coverage. You want to make sure you and your property are covered before an emergency occurs. Review all the coverage you pay for because you might need additional flood insurance.

If a hurricane is moving in the direction of where you live and depending on the severity, it might be best to evacuate. If you will need to evacuate your home, let friends and family know. Follow these important tips:

·       Secure your home. Board windows up to protect glass from breaking. It is best to buy these supplies early, so you aren’t in a rush to get supplies you need to protect your home.

·       Stay alert and informed. Listen to the news and weather station so that you know what is always going on.

·       Listen to orders of local officials. If there is a mandatory evacuation, it is incredibly important you listen and follow orders to stay safe and evacuate.

·       Take refugee in your home. If you do not have to evacuate, the best places in your home to take cover are the interior hallways, interior rooms, and closets. Stay away from windows including glass doors.

After a hurricane strikes, we sometimes think the worst is over. But the damage left by the hurricane can cause a lot of upset and stress as well. Follow theses tips to ensure you are ready:

·       If you had to evacuate, you can return home once officials have given the all clear and say it is ok to return home.

·       Check the outside of your home for any damages. Look out for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage that needs to be reported or fixed.

·       Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after storms in areas dealing with power outages. Never use a portable generator inside your home or garage.

·       If you do not have power, use battery powered flashlights. Please do not light candles.

·       Continue staying informed by watching the weather channel.

Remember all these tips to ensure you are prepared for a hurricane should it come your way. And if you ever find yourself in an emergency, please do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 for help!

The Basics of 9-1-1: Things to Remember When Calling 9-1-1 in an Emergency

We are all taught at a young age how to call 9-1-1. We are also taught what is an emergency and what is NOT an emergency. But as we get older, we sometimes tend to forget some of the things we learned as kids. In this blog we will review the basics of 9-1-1 so that when you are in an emergency, you can ensure you are prepared for whatever comes your way. 

When should I call 9-1-1?

Here we will break down the basics of what is considered an emergency and what is not an emergency. Remember, only call 9-1-1 for emergencies. Leave the other important calls or needs of assistance for 311 to handle or provide you with the right entity you need to reach. And never use 9-1-1 as a joke.

An emergency is when something happens and you need the police, firemen, or an ambulance. Some examples of an emergency can include a house on fire as well as any type of accident where someone is hurt such as a car accident. These are just a few examples of when to call 9-1-1. But if, say, your cat is suck in a tree? That would not be considered an emergency, because cats cans get down from trees on their own.

Below are some important tips to remember.

WHEN to call 9-1-1:

·       When there are any lives at risk

·       When you need the police, fire department, or paramedics

When you should NOT call 9-1-1:

·       If there is no emergency

·       For animals (except when they pose a threat to the safety of a person)

·       As a game or prank, or a joke

·       To practice

How do I call (or text!) 9-1-1?

Phones come in all shapes and sizes. Different types of phones include landlines, cell phones, and voice-over IP phones.  To call 9-1-1 on a corded landline phone, pick the phone up off the receiver and then you will hear a dial tone. Push the “9” button, push the “1” button, and then push the “1” button again. Wait for it to ring and connect you with 9-1-1 for help!

The phones that have no curly cords and that you can take all over the house are called cordless phones. These phones have a base and a cord attached to the wall. These are still landline phones, though, and not considered cell phones. To call 9-1-1 on a cordless phone, press the on or talk button, wait and listen for the dial tone, and then push the "9" button, push the "1" button, and then push the "1" button again. Then, the 9-1-1 call-taker will answer your call for help.

There are also many variations of cell phones, but the most used today is the smart phone with a touch screen. To call for help, find the keypad or also known as dial pad, push the “9” button, push the “1” button, and then push the “1” button again, then press the send button to connect the call. The send or “on” button is usually green or has a green icon of a phone.

What do I say when 9-1-1 answers my call for help?

It can be nerve-wrecking to call 9-1-1 for help in an emergency. You want to make sure you give all the important information and get someone (or you) help in an emergency as quickly as possible. Here are some tips to help children remember what to do when they are on the phone with 9-1-1:

·       Remember to remain calm and speak slowly.

·       Tell the 9-1-1 call-taker what is wrong and where you need help (the address of the emergency, or landmarks, cross streets, or mile-markers).

·       Speak clearly when the 9-1-1 call-taker asks you questions and answer them as best you can.

·       Stay on the phone until the 9-1-1 call-taker tells you it is ok to hang up.

Remember, if you ever need to call 9-1-1, a friendly and helpful call-taker is ready to assist you. For educational videos on 9-1-1, please visit our YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/user/CellPhoneSally911.

Hurricane Preparedness Month: What You Should Do to Prepare

Hurricanes can leave a destructive path wherever they go. Hurricane season runs from the months of June through November which makes now a great time to be prepared in case of a hurricane emergency. By knowing which actions to take before a hurricane hits, you will not only be better prepared, but it will increase your chances of survival and safety.

The primary hazards from tropical hurricanes, also known as cyclones, are storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents. The most devastating destruction occurs from flooding. Below are some tips to assist you in preparing for hurricane season and if a hurricane were to hit your area.

Make a Plan

It is so important to have a plan in place. Putting a plan together for your family will have you better prepared in the emergency situation if and when it occurs. With your family plan you should be able to answer the following questions:

·       What is my shelter plan?

·       What is my evacuation route?

·       What do I need in my emergency preparedness kit?

·       Where will I get status updates on what is going on in my area?

·       How will I communicate with my household family members?

Gather Supplies

Sometimes when an emergency like a hurricane hits, you might go a few days without electricity or access to stores and other ways of getting resources that you are used to doing. That’s why it is important to gather some supplies that you keep in an emergency preparedness kit. For some great ideas on what to include in this kit, visit https://www.ready.gov/kit.

Recognize Warnings and Alerts

There are several ways to stay alerted on potential weather threats. One of those warning systems that works really well is from FEMA. If you go to https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app you can get signed up to receive alerts in your area.  Not only does the app provide individuals with real-time information on what is going on, but it also provides places for emergency shelter as well as emergency safety tips.

Strengthen Your Home

Another important tip is to make sure your home is also prepared for a weather disaster. Some examples of things you can do to prepare:

·       Declutter drains and gutters

·       Bring in outside furniture

·       Consider purchasing hurricane shutters for your windows

These are a few tips to help you be better prepared in a hurricane emergency. For more tips, please visit the www.ready.gov website. If you ever find yourself in an emergency situation, please do not hesitate to contact 9-1-1.

What You Need to Know About Texas Kari’s Law and Federal Kari’s Law

The story of Kari Hunt has come a long way. It is a story that has touched many hearts with sadness. It has also had many people join Hank Hunt’s (her father) fight for direct access to 9-1-1 without having to dial an additional digit from a multi-line telephone system (MLTS). Most of these phones are found in hotels, offices and many businesses. Kari’s story ends in success but started as a tragedy no father should ever have to endure.

BACKGROUND OF KARI’S LAW

Kari Hunt, daughter of Hank Hunt, was killed by her estranged husband in a motel room in Marshall, Texas in 2013. At the time, Kari’s 9-year-old daughter tried to call 9-1-1 for help four times from the motel room phone, but the call never went through. Why? Kari was doing what she was taught, because we teach children to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency. We do not teach them that they need to dial “9” for an outbound line before being able to dial 9-1-1. Sadly, Kari died that day when her life could have been potentially saved if her daughter had been able to get through to 9-1-1.

TEXAS KARI’S LAW

Hank could not let her death be in vain. He started an incredible grassroots effort in Texas to get Kari’s Law enacted that would allow a person to dial 9-1-1 without having to push any additional digits first. He reached out to local officials and started a petition online. And his hard work paid off. Public officials, 9-1-1 employees, and citizens noticed and pushed for a law to change how MLTS phones are set up to ensure a person can dial 9-1-1 and get help right away. On May 15, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 788 into law. The law ultimately represents the culmination of the enormous efforts for change in the aftermath of the death of Kari.

The law and the rule require a business service user (BSU) to configure their MLTS for direct dialing to 9-1-1 without any initial digit, prefix, or access code to reach an outbound line.  Compliance with the law began on September 1, 2016.  The primary reason a rule was put into place was to implement the statutory waiver process under which a BSU can obtain a one-year waiver of the Texas Kari’s Law’s direct dialing requirements. To obtain a waiver, a BSU must timely submit an affidavit stating that: (1) The business service user made a good faith attempt to reprogram or replace the telephone system; and (2) Reprogramming/replacing of a non-compliant telephone system would be unduly and unreasonably cost prohibitive.

For more resources on Texas Kari's Law, including requesting a one-year waiver, please visit www.texas911.org. Additionally, CSEC has created a Texas Kari's Law Toolkit which includes a brochure, multiple PSAs and other helpful items in educating those to comply with Kari’s Law.

FEDERAL KARI’S LAW

Texas might have been one of the first states to create a Kari’s Law, but many other states followed suit. More and more support for a federal Kari’s Law was in the works. On February 16, 2018, Congress enacted the federal Kari’s Law Act of 2017 (Federal Kari’s Law) requiring direct dialing 9-1-1 access and notification with respect to any new MLTS. Federal Kari’s Law applies to a person (1) engaged in the business of manufacturing, importing, selling, or leasing MLTS; or (2) engaged in the business of installing, managing, or operating a MLTS.

The law and the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) regulations implementing the law are forward looking and apply only with respect to MLTS that are manufactured, imported, offered for first sale or lease, first sold or leased, or installed after February 16, 2020. For more information on the Federal Kari’s Law please visit https://www.fcc.gov/mlts-911-requirements.

Refrain from Letting Young Children Play with Deactivated Cell Phones

When we deactivate phones, meaning they do not have service through a phone provider, it's common to think they won't work in any way. But that is not the case. Deactivated cell phones, as long as they have a charge, can call 9-1-1. 

Why is this important to know? 

Being aware that an old cell phone can call 911 is important for a few reasons. On the positive side, if you couldn't afford service and had to shut it off, you at least have a way to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. The negative side of this is knowing anyone could accidentally call 9-1-1 from a deactivated cell phone. And this unfortunately clogs up 9-1-1 for real emergencies. This is why it important not let kids play with old cell phones that are deactivated. 

Using an old cell phone without a service contract presents challenges when contacting 9-1-1 as well. If you get disconnected from 9-1-1 while on the phone with them, the 9-1-1 dispatcher will not have a way to call you back since it is a deactivated phone therefore there is no number associated with it. Not only that, but older cell phones might not have up-to-date GPS technology, which means the dispatchers won't know where to locate you unless you can tell them.

What Happens if you or your child call 9-1-1 from a Deactivated Phone?

If someone accidentally calls from a deactivated phone, it is extremely important to stay on the line so you can let the 9-1-1 dispatcher there is no real emergency. But more importantly, simply don't let children play with deactivated phones. 

April Marks 9-1-1 Public Education Month and Recognizing National Telecommunicator Week

9-1-1 Education Month in April serves as an important time for 9-1-1 public educators to remind communities of what is considered an emergency as well as how and when to call for help.  The second full week in April also serves as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12-18, 2020). This week recognizes the incredibly hard and dedicated work telecommunicators and dispatchers do every single day to serve and assist the public in emergency situations. 

Telecommunicators, also known as call-takers or dispatchers, are individuals who work for 9-1-1 and answer incoming emergency calls and/or texts and, then in turn, ensure the caller gets the appropriate emergency response needed. Telecommunicators answer many tough 9-1-1 calls throughout their career and we should all tip our hats to them and recognize them for their commitment to public safety.  

In 2008, the House of Representatives passed a resolution to increase national awareness about the importance and appropriate use of 9-1-1 and created a month dedicated solely to 9-1-1 education. There have been many changes recently to laws or technology that affect 9-1-1 and it’s important you stay informed on these important topics.

Below are some great topics to share information on during the month of April:

Call if You Can, Text if You Can’t

Throughout the year, more and more regions across the United States have been or are now providing text to 9-1-1 services. This service is really vital to the deaf and hard of hearing community, or to someone in an emergency situation that would be compromised if they were to speak out loud. While text to 9-1-1 is available in many areas, it is not available in all areas. Keep in mind that if you do text to 9-1-1 and it is NOT available in your area, you will receive a bounce back message instructing you to please call 9-1-1 for help.

Know Your Location

Many people have smart phones these days. And on these smart phones we have maps that show us where we are, so it doesn’t seem far-fetched to think that if we have GPS in our phone, then 9-1-1 should be able to find us when we call. This is actually not the case. When you call 9-1-1 from a cell phone/smart phone, dispatchers are only able to see approximately where you are and not specifically where you are located. Remember to always be aware and know your location. Look for mile markers, landmarks, cross streets and addresses on buildings. 9-1-1 is currently updating the technology and infrastructure that will change this all over the country called Next Generation 9-1-1.

Federal Kari’s Law

A new law that business service users and the public should be aware of is the federal Kari’s Law. This law has to do with providing direct access to 9-1-1 from a multi-user telephone line (MLTS). On February 16, 2018, Congress enacted the federal Kari’s Law Act of 2017 (Federal Kari’s Law) requiring direct dialing 9-1-1 access and notification with respect to any new MLTS. The law only applies to MLTS that are manufactured, imported, offered for first sale or lease, first sold or leased, or installed after February 16, 2020. With this law in place, if you ever need to call 9-1-1 from an MLTS phone, you don’t have to worry about dialing an additional digit to get an outside line first. Simply dial 9-1-1 for help. For more information on this law visit https://www.fcc.gov/mlts-911-requirements. You can also find information here regarding the Ray BAUM Act that has to do with dispatchable location.

Remember to take some time at home and discuss how and when to call 9-1-1 with your children or grandchildren. View the Cell Phone Sally: Getting Help is Easy video here!

Below find the Proclamation from Texas Governor Greg Abbott recognizing 9-1-1 Telecommunicators!