911 Dispatch FAQs
Answers To Your Questions
How can I teach my children about 911?
Teaching children when to call 911 is just as important as teaching them how to dial 911. A variety of resources are available to help parents and educators train children when and how to call 911. For more information, please visit 911 for Kids. Parents should also be aware that wireless phones without a current calling plan through a wireless provider are still capable of connecting a 911 call to a local call center. Children should be told not to call 911 from old phones and it is recommended that the battery is removed before you give an old phone to a child.
Can I text 911?
Yes! Campbell County Consolidated Dispatch Center does have the technology to receive text messages. If you need help and are unable to safely speak on the phone or are unable to speak at all, send a text message to 911. Call if you can, text if you can't!
What should I do if I accidentally dial 911?
You may have called 911 by accident, or your situation may have resolved itself, but it is important to let the 911 operator know this. If you end the call abruptly, the folks at the 911 center are going to assume that something has gone very wrong and will either call you back or send help anyway. This will take away from the 911 center’s ability to take calls and dispatch services to on-going emergencies, so make sure the 911 call taker tells you it is ok to disconnect before you hang up. And keep in mind that the call taker can dispatch responders to your location without disconnecting from the call, so, until you are instructed to do otherwise, make sure to hold the line so that you can provide any necessary information or assistance to the 911 operator.
What about prank calls?
It's a prank call when someone calls 911 for a joke, or calls 911 and hangs up. This is not the same as accidentally dialing 911. Prank calls not only waste time and money, but can also be dangerous. If 911 lines or call takers are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency may not be able to get the help they need. In Kentucky, it's against the law to make prank 911 calls.
What if I can't speak English?
When necessary, a 911 call taker can add an interpreter from an outside service to the line. A non-English speaking caller may hear a short conversation in English and some clicking sounds as the interpreter is added to the line.
Can I call on a wireless or bluetooth device?
You can call 911 on any hands free bluetooth or speaker device. It is important to remember to stay calm and speak clearly. If there are other involved parties nearby, only one person should be talking to the dispatcher. When multiple voices are trying to give answers over one another, the dispatchers cannot understand or try to ask for additional information. Speak as clearly as you can, try to remain calm and listen to what the dispatchers are asking you. The information that you provide is instrumental in getting the appropriate response dispatched to your emergency in the quickest way possible.