Hi folks. I did not know this could happen, so thought I would mention it. Friends that lived here in PA moved to South Carolina two years ago. Their cell phone numbers including PA area code did not change, and will not change with the move to another state of a different area code. During an emergency, 911 was called for an ambulance, and ..... it went to their old address in PA. The PA dispatch had no idea they moved and called them back, saying they were at the location but the patient wasn't. So a neighbor (at the new home) offered their cell phone which brought the needed help to the correct address, after 45 minutes. I'm sure this is an isolated instance because the cell tower that received the call should have pinged their location, and the dispatcher should have verified the address. Neither happened. They believe the call went directly to the PA 911 because they said "we have your address and are sending help immediately". How could this happen? To be safe, check with your cell phone carrier if your phone has another state's area code. Always have them verify the correct address if you call 911. And if they fluff you off saying it could never happen, it did in South Carolina.
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12 comments:
Excellent info ..wonder if it could happen here in Canada too
It can and does happen too often. Some of the earlier 911 systems tie the phone number to their system. It is one of the reasons we keep our landline.
Yikes! That's scary. Thanks for sharing.
What important information...I shall share it.. Thank you
Marly for your diligence.
I have heard of that happening...I think it could also be true if you are traveling and need assistance, and use your cell phone in a strange location.
Wow, thanks for the heads up.
That is why we will always have a land line. My husbands life is worth every penny spent.
OMG!! I 've hear of that happening, Marly! Great advice....something you would never think of. I'd better tell my son and his wife, they are moving from Michigan to South Carolina this week.....It's good to know even if you are traveling....
Whoa!!!!!!!!
Wow, I didn't know that could happen. Whenever we've called 911 they've always asked our location and have transferred us to different agency dispatchers if necessary. Good to know. Thanks for sharing.
Something I would never think about... I shall tell others! Thanks Marly!
some centers offer a service - you can have your cell number attached to your address plus anything you want them to know about your house like guns, diabetic, animals, gate codes - stuff like that. When you dial 911 they can see that info!
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