What is traditional 911?
“911” is the telephone number used to request emergency assistance in the United States and Canada. Controlled by various state and local agencies, it provides fast and easy access to local emergency response centers, where 911 calls are received and then routed to the proper emergency services. Most 911 calls are answered by state or local emergency response officials and then dispatched to the appropriate responding agency (fire, police, EMS). Dialing 911 is not the only way of reaching the police, fire or EMS agencies. The public relies upon many methods of reaching emergency services including direct telephone numbers, radio and computer systems. Depending on a number of variables, 911 systems may or may not know where the caller is located. Available in some areas, Enhanced 911 (E911) receives real time information on the caller’s location and callback number. Like any business or residential phone number, when you dial 911 it is possible for “all lines to be busy,” or for “circui
