I WAS TRYING TO MAKE A LONG DISTANCE CALL FROM MY OFFICE AND GOT 9-1-1 BY MISTAKE. WHY?

The telephone equipment in your office probably requires you to dial "9" to get an "outside" line. This type of system is called a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) which simply is a private telephone system that is connected to the public telephone system.  When you dialed "9" to get the "outside" line and then "1" for long distance, two things could have occurred.  One, the "1" key was held down too long; or, two, the "1" key was accidentally hit twice.  When that happens the system thought you were calling 9-1-1. Some PBX systems may require that you dial "9" and then 9-1-1 when you need emergency help.  If you work in a building with this type of system, you should ask the person responsible for the telephone system:

1. What should I dial to get 9-1-1 in an emergency?
2. What address will the 9-1-1 Operator get automatically if I dial 9-1-1?
(Many PBX systems display only the main business mailing address and not the actual location of the telephone being used to call 9-1-1.  Be prepared to tell the 9-1-1 Operator your actual location, if needed.)

DOES MY CELLULAR TELEPHONE WORK THE SAME WAY MY WIRED, HOME TELEPHONE WORKS WITH 9-1-1?

No. When you call 9-1-1 on your cell phone your call may be routed to the 9-1-1 center closest to the tower your cell phone connected with.  Right now your location is not automatically sent to the 9-1-1 Operator like it is with a wired telephone.  The wireless (cell) telephone companies and the 9-1-1 centers in the State of Missouri are working on new equipment that will send the location of those cellular calls, but it won't be ready for a few more years.  The telephone number of your cell phone may or may not be sent automatically to the 9-1-1 Operator.  Eventually all of the wireless companies will be able to do this, but right now only some of them can.  That means the 9-1-1 Operator may not be able to call you back if you are disconnected or hang up.  Some cell phones have a pre-programmed button or speed dial feature for 9-1-1.  These features can dial 9-1-1 accidentally if the phone gets bumped.  You should check your user manual or contact your service provider's retail outlet to find out how to disable this feature.  Always lock your keypad to prevent accidental dialing.  If you realize that you have accidentally dialed 9-1-1, stay on the line until the 9-1-1 Operator answers and explain what happened.  Take a few minutes to review how your cell phone works.  It may save you time, money, embarrassment, and who knows, maybe a life!

I HAD TO CALL 9-1-1 WHEN A CAR ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. WHEN THE 9-1-1 OPERATOR ANSWERED, ONE OF THE FIRST QUESTIONS SHE ASKED WAS, "WHAT ADDRESS ARE YOU CALLING FROM?" I THOUGHT THEY GOT THAT INFORMATION AUTOMATICALLY. DOESN'T THAT JUST WASTE TIME TO ASK FOR IT AGAIN?

The 9-1-1 Operators are trained to verify all of the information that they receive automatically. Sometimes there are errors in the databases used to provide 9-1-1 service. The 9-1-1 Operator wants to be sure that the help you need is sent to the right place. They also need to get enough information to send you the right kind of help. The 9-1-1 Operators are trained to obtain as much information as possible, so stay on the line and answer all of their questions to the best of your ability. Sometimes, they may want you to stay on the line until law enforcement, fire or medical personnel actually arrive. They will tell you when it is okay to hang up.

HOW DID MY CELL PHONE CALL 911 WHEN MY PLAN IS EXPIRED?

By federal law all cell phones must be able to call 911 even if the plan is expired.  If the battery still works your cell phone will call 911.

WHAT IS THE SOS BUTTON ON MY PHONE USED FOR?

This button is used to call 911 in case of an emergency.  This button does not connect you with your cell carrier.