When a 911
call comes into the call center, a sophisticated system of computers,
phone equipment and highly trained personnel is activated. As the call
taker answers the call, the caller’s name, address and phone number
flash onto a computer screen. This ensures that even if the caller is
incapacitated, emergency crews can be dispatched to the scene. The call
taker answers the call with "911 – Where is your emergency?"
This verifies the information on the screen, so if the call is
disconnected
the location is known. The call taker then asks for any other
information that would assist responders, such as the nature of the
emergency, medical conditions or the presence of weapons. As the call
taker gathers the in-formation, it is relayed via computer to the
dispatcher. The dispatcher contacts the appropriate agencies, relays
information as it becomes known, monitors radio traffic, dispatches
additional vehicles when needed, and coordinates the incident.
Q&A
regarding 911
responders and proper address marking
Q. Can I paint my address
on the
curb in front of my house? A.
Curb painting is not recommended. Addresses
painted on curbs can be blocked by
leaves or parked cars, offer poor
visibility at night and fade quickly.
Q. I receive my mail at a
post office box.
How can I verify my street
address? A.
If you are unsure of your address, call confirm
it.
Q. If I rent my home, who
is responsible for
address posting? A.
Under the Ordinance, both the owners
and occupants are responsible for
posting the address.
Q. I don‘t have a phone
and can‘t
call 911. Do I still need to post
my address? A.
Yes. Often emergencies are re-ported by
a neighbor or from a pay phone.
Emergency crews will still need to
locate the building as quickly as
possible.
If
your home or business is located at
a distance from the road, it is
important to post the address on a fence
or other structure that is easily
visible from the road.
