Will all phones connect with 9-1-1?
In your home, traditional rotary dial or push-button phones provide enhanced 9-1-1 service. This will display your address, callback number, phone company name and number on the emergency operator's computer screen. The 9-1-1 Dispatcher knows where to send help even if you are disconnected or cannot speak.
If I call 9-1-1, will you know where I am calling from?
If you call 9-1-1 from your home or business on a traditional rotary dial or touch-tone phone, our Call Taker should be able to identify your location. This is not, necessarily the case with Cellular telephones and even more challenging with Voice over Internet Phones (VoIP). The address associated with your internet billing account is what will be used as the address when an emergency call is made from a VoiPhone. Emergency services cannot find Box 123 or Rural Route 1 on a map. It is important to ensure you register a physical address with the internet service provide. Advances in technologies are being made and in the near future we hope to be able to quickly and accurately identify the location of all telephone calls.
What if my phone does not have enhanced 9-1-1 service?
In all cases, listen carefully to the 9-1-1 Dispatcher, follow instructions and stay on the line. If your address does not appear on the Dispatchers computer screen, he or she may ask you more questions to find out exactly where you are.
My phone works through the Internet or a cable connection.
Will I still be able to call East Central 9-1-1? 9-1-1 access for Internet or cable-based phones may differ depending on the type of service. Check with your phone service provider to learn about their 9-1-1 details BEFORE an emergency.
All Internet and cable-based phone companies in Canada that use traditional phone numbers and link to the traditional telephone network must provide access to 9-1-1, but may do so in different ways. In some cases, an emergency call centre may ask your location before routing your call to your local area. Stay on the line until you speak with the East Central 9-1-1 service.
If you are considering the use of Internet or cable-based telephone service, make sure you know if and how you will be able to reach 9-1-1 before you sign up.
All Internet and cable-based phone companies in Canada that use traditional phone numbers and link to the traditional telephone network must provide access to 9-1-1, but may do so in different ways. In some cases, an emergency call centre may ask your location before routing your call to your local area. Stay on the line until you speak with the East Central 9-1-1 service.
If you are considering the use of Internet or cable-based telephone service, make sure you know if and how you will be able to reach 9-1-1 before you sign up.
Can I call 9-1-1 from a pay Phone?
Yes, and calls to 9-1-1 from a pay phone are free.
I accidentally called 9-1-1. Should I just hang up?
Please don't hang up. Stay on the line and tell the 9-1-1 Dispatcher what has happened. If you hang up the Dispatcher will call back and may send emergency responders to your address if there is no response.
Why does the 9-1-1 call taker ask if it is safe for me to talk?
We always want to make sure you are safe. If you feel that you are in danger when you call 9-1-1 and don't want someone to know you have called for help we will ask you questions that require only a YES or NO answer. The first question would be to ask if it is safe for you to talk. If you answer NO we understand that you might be in danger.
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Frequently Asked Questions About 9-1-1 and Helpful Hints
Will all phones connect with 9-1-1?
In your home, traditional rotary dial or push-button phones provide enhanced 9-1-1 service. This will display your address, callback number, phone company name and number on the emergency operator's computer screen. The 9-1-1 call taker knows where to send help even if you are disconnected or cannot speak.
Calls from cell phones provide the 9-1-1 call taker with the address of the cell tower where the call is going through and the cell phone service provider's name and phone number. You must still provide your location, so stay on the line.
For business phones, check with your office manager about 9-1-1 service in your building. If you have to call 9-1-1, be prepared to provide the building address, floor and office from where you are calling.
Voice over Internet Phones (VoIP) makes calls through the internet rather than through a landline or mobile network. This type of phone does not support emergency calls in the same way.
If I call 9-1-1, will you know where I am calling from?
If you call 9-1-1 from your home or business on a traditional rotary dial or touch-tone phone, our Call Taker should be able to identify your location. This is not, necessarily the case with Cellular telephones and even more challenging with Voice over Internet Phones (VoIP). The address associated with your internet billing account is what will be used as the address when an emergency call is made from a VoiPhone. Emergency services cannot find Box 123 or Rural Route 1 on a map. It is important to ensure you register a physical address with the internet service provide. Advances in technologies are being made and in the near future we hope to be able to quickly and accurately identify the location of all telephone calls.
What if my phone does not have enhanced 9-1-1 service?
In all cases, listen carefully to the 9-1-1 Call Taker, follow instructions and stay on the line. If your address does not appear on the Call Takers computer screen, they may ask you more questions to find out exactly where you are.
My phone works through the Internet or a cable connection.
Will I still be able to call East Central 9-1-1? 9-1-1 access for Internet or cable-based phones may differ depending on the type of service. Check with your phone service provider to learn about their 9-1-1 details BEFORE an emergency.
All Internet and cable-based phone companies in Canada that use traditional phone numbers and link to the traditional telephone network must provide access to 9-1-1, but may do so in different ways. In some cases, an emergency call centre may ask your location before routing your call to your local area. Stay on the line until you speak with the East Central 9-1-1 service.
If you are considering the use of Internet or cable-based telephone service, make sure you know if and how you will be able to reach 9-1-1 before you sign up. Ensure you can register a physical address with the internet service provider and update it when you move.
Can I call 9-1-1 from a pay Phone?
Yes, and calls to 9-1-1 from a pay phone are free.
I accidentally called 9-1-1. Should I just hang up?
Please don't hang up. Stay on the line and tell the 9-1-1 Call Taker what has happened. If you hang up the Call Taker will call back and may send emergency responders to your address if there is no response.
Why does the 9-1-1 Call Taker ask if it is safe for me to talk?
We always want to make sure you are safe. If you feel that you are in danger when you call 9-1-1 and don't want someone to know you have called for help we will ask you questions that require only a YES or NO answer. The first question would be to ask if it is safe for you to talk. If you answer NO we understand that you might be in danger.
March 2023
.
Frequently Asked Questions About 9-1-1 and Helpful Hints
Will all phones connect with 9-1-1?
In your home, traditional rotary dial or push-button phones provide enhanced 9-1-1 service. This will display your address, callback number, phone company name and number on the emergency operator's computer screen. The 9-1-1 call taker knows where to send help even if you are disconnected or cannot speak.
Calls from cell phones provide the 9-1-1 call taker with the address of the cell tower where the call is going through and the cell phone service provider's name and phone number. You must still provide your location, so stay on the line.
For business phones, check with your office manager about 9-1-1 service in your building. If you have to call 9-1-1, be prepared to provide the building address, floor and office from where you are calling.
Voice over Internet Phones (VoIP) makes calls through the internet rather than through a landline or mobile network. This type of phone does not support emergency calls in the same way.
If I call 9-1-1, will you know where I am calling from?
If you call 9-1-1 from your home or business on a traditional rotary dial or touch-tone phone, our Call Taker should be able to identify your location. This is not, necessarily the case with Cellular telephones and even more challenging with Voice over Internet Phones (VoIP). The address associated with your internet billing account is what will be used as the address when an emergency call is made from a VoiPhone. Emergency services cannot find Box 123 or Rural Route 1 on a map. It is important to ensure you register a physical address with the internet service provide. Advances in technologies are being made and in the near future we hope to be able to quickly and accurately identify the location of all telephone calls.
What if my phone does not have enhanced 9-1-1 service?
In all cases, listen carefully to the 9-1-1 Call Taker, follow instructions and stay on the line. If your address does not appear on the Call Takers computer screen, they may ask you more questions to find out exactly where you are.
My phone works through the Internet or a cable connection.
Will I still be able to call East Central 9-1-1? 9-1-1 access for Internet or cable-based phones may differ depending on the type of service. Check with your phone service provider to learn about their 9-1-1 details BEFORE an emergency.
All Internet and cable-based phone companies in Canada that use traditional phone numbers and link to the traditional telephone network must provide access to 9-1-1, but may do so in different ways. In some cases, an emergency call centre may ask your location before routing your call to your local area. Stay on the line until you speak with the East Central 9-1-1 service.
If you are considering the use of Internet or cable-based telephone service, make sure you know if and how you will be able to reach 9-1-1 before you sign up. Ensure you can register a physical address with the internet service provider and update it when you move.
Can I call 9-1-1 from a pay Phone?
Yes, and calls to 9-1-1 from a pay phone are free.
I accidentally called 9-1-1. Should I just hang up?
Please don't hang up. Stay on the line and tell the 9-1-1 Call Taker what has happened. If you hang up the Call Taker will call back and may send emergency responders to your address if there is no response.
Why does the 9-1-1 Call Taker ask if it is safe for me to talk?
We always want to make sure you are safe. If you feel that you are in danger when you call 9-1-1 and don't want someone to know you have called for help we will ask you questions that require only a YES or NO answer. The first question would be to ask if it is safe for you to talk. If you answer NO we understand that you might be in danger.
March 2023
.