911 Common FAQs
What should I do if I accidentally dial 911?
If you dial 911 by mistake, or if a child in your home dials 911 when no emergency exists, do not hang up – that could make 911 officials think that an emergency exists, and possibly send responders to your location. Instead, simply explain to the call-taker what happened.
Calls to 911 can be triggered accidentally when dialing other numbers. This can include dialing numbers with 91X area codes with a double press on the '1', attempting to dial some international numbers without using the proper exit code or country code, or dialing internal extensions that result in a '911' or '1911' combination (E.G.: Site code 19 + extension 11)
How do I place a "test" call to make sure 911 works for me?
Test calls confirm that your local 911 service can receive your 911 call and has the correct location information. Test calls can be scheduled by contacting your local 911 call center via its non-emergency phone number. To contact the local 911 center responsible for answering calls from your location, go HERE and click on the state in which you are located. The person responsible for operating the state’s 911 system will be identified, and they should know who you should talk to at your local 911 call center, to schedule a day and time for test calls.
How do I know my local 911 has the correct address for my home or business?
If you would like to contact your local 911 call center to confirm the address that correlates with your phone number is correct, do not dial 911. To contact the local 911 center responsible for answering calls from your location, go HERE and click on the state in which you are located. The person responsible for operating the state’s 911 system will be identified, and they should know who you should talk to at your local 911 call center, to confirm your address.
How do I know my local 911 has the correct address for my home or business? How can I register my Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Phone for 911?
VoIP service allows users to place and receive calls to and from traditional phone numbers using an internet connection and can be used in place of traditional phone service. Because VoIP phones can be used anywhere an internet connection is available, the 911 call center cannot locate callers unless the caller has registered the VoIP device to a physical address through the VoIP provider.
To update e911 address click HERE.
Why are 911 fees included on my landline or wireless bill?
Local and state governments who are responsible for operating the nation’s 911 system, pass laws that allow them to collect 911 fees through your telephone service or wireless service provider. The fees collected by service providers are distributed to 911 call centers by state and local governments, to help pay for the operation of 911 services.
For additional details regarding 911 taxes and fees click HERE
