9-1-1 Day at the Capitol
Posted on January 11, 2012 by Thomas Green
In times of emergency, many of us would reach for our phone and immediately dial 9-1-1 for help. I would hesitate calling 9-1-1 myself, all because I am deaf and I have to wonder if the 9-1-1 call center can truly help me in this situation. Is the 9-1-1 center properly equipped to locate me with my cell phone or would I be sitting there waiting for help that may never come because communication could not happen? Many 9-1-1 centers are not accessible for several reasons; lack of up to date equipments and software programs, trainings and funding.
In Missouri, 16 counties does not have enhanced 9-1-1, nor do they have 9-1-1 telephone system in place. 36 out of 115 9-1-1 call centers are classified as Phase 2 centers. Phase 2 is important; it is the only classification that says the 9-1-1 call center has all the necessary technology to identify if the call is coming from a wireless phone, and the ability to locate the cell phone with the latitude and longitude within 300 meters.
There’s a dim light shining at the end of the tunnel; with Next Generation 9-1-1 legislation and regulations coming from Washington, DC, Missouri must upgrade the 9-1-1 systems across the state. To make this happen, we must educate our legislators the importance of creating Accessible 9-1-1 System in Missouri.
January 17, 2012, The Missouri 9-1-1 Directors Association, Paraquad, Inc and few other organizations will come together at the rotunda of Missouri Capitol to be in the presence of our Missouri State Legislators. Our legislators will hear from us all about the importance of creating a statewide system that is accessible for everyone in Missouri. We invite you, your friends, your family, your neighbors and your community to join us at 9-1-1 Day at the Capitol in Jefferson City, MO. We will begin at 10:00 am in Rotunda with a rally. After the rally we will be visiting our legislators for the rest of the day.
Do you want an accessible 9-1-1 system for your community, for your neighbors, for yourself, and for your family? Come join us! See you all there!