9-1-1 Services
About 9-1-1 ACOG
ACOG was instrumental in developing and implementing the enhanced 9-1-1 emergency telephone number and system in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. System financing was provided by a vote of the area’s citizens in the spring of 1987, followed by the system coming “on-line” May 1, 1989.
The highly advanced system incorporates regional sites where calls are answered, and covers a wide area of communities and counties and an Air Force base in the Central Oklahoma region. The 9-1-1 Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (9-1-1 ACOG), an operational arm of ACOG, was formed to implement and manage the system for suburban communities. In addition, a 9-1-1 Technical Committee involving representatives of the public safety agencies in the system was created to facilitate exchange of information, concerns and improvements in the system’s efficiency.
In 1994, ACOG established the 9-1-1 ACOG Call-Taker Institute to offer Central Oklahoma emergency call-takers a top quality, affordable and nationally accredited alternative to expensive out-of-state training. The Institute, relies upon the expertise of local call-takers who are certified to train others in basic telecommunications. ACOG also monitors phone company activity in the region and offers assistance with rural addressing.
Frequently Asked Questions About 9-1-1 in Central Oklahoma
9-1-1 is the most recognizable phone number in America. These three numbers link callers in Central Oklahoma to fire and police protection and emergency medical services. With skilled call-takers using computer technology at your service, 9-1-1 is your hotline for help in Central Oklahoma.
Frequently Asked Questions About 9-1-1
Q: When should I call 9-1-1?
A: 9-1-1 is reserved for emergency situations only. Callers should use sound judgment when trying to determine the difference between an "emergency" and a "non-emergency." An emergency is a police, fire or medical situation where seconds can make a difference in saving a life or property. A person should never call 9-1-1 to ask for directions, to report a lost pet or complain about a noisy neighbor. People who call 9-1-1 as a joke or a nuisance can be subject to fines and legal action.
Q: What are some of the things that I should know before I call 9-1-1?
A: In order to dispatch proper services in an emergency situation, the call-taker may ask several questions. The caller must be ready to respond. Call-takers are trained to verify your address and telephone number to that the 9-1-1 information is correct. When calling 9-1-1, always make sure that you are out of danger. If your house is on fire, call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's phone. Stay calm and talk clearly to describe the situation. Stay on the line until the call-taker tells you to hang up the phone.
Q: Can I call 9-1-1 from a pay phone?
A: Yes. Using a pay phone to call 9-1-1 is free. When an emergency situation occurs, simply pick up the phone and dial.
Q: Can I call 9-1-1 on my wireless phone?
A: Of course, but calling 9-1-1 on a cell or wireless phones is different than calling from a traditional "landline" phone. Emergency calls from wireless phones may not automatically route to the appropriate 9-1-1 call center, or provide all of the details that a call-taker needs. So, callers should be prepared to provide this information. Also, the caller must be patient in case the phone call needs to be transferred to the appropriate call center. When making a wireless 9-1-1 call in Central Oklahoma, you must tell the call-taker the city that you are calling from, the address of where the emergency is, or recognizable streets or landmarks that can help guide a rescuer. In 2007, the regional system is expected to be fully operational so wireless calls will provide the approximate location of the caller. The system is currently being built out and tested.
Q: I just signed up with a new phone company. Can I still call 9-1-1?
A: Yes, but you may want to check with your new company to make sure that they have all of your correct information in the 9-1-1 database. Phone companies provide that information to the 9-1-1 database, which allows dispatchers to know where you live. Call your phone company to verify your records.
Q: Can people who are deaf use a text telephone to call 9-1-1?
A: Yes. 9-1-1 is accessible through text telephones (also known as TTYs and TDDs) for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability.
Q: My mother has mobility limitations and may need special help in an emergency. How can I provide this information to 9-1-1 before an emergency occurs?
A: Call the non-emergency phone number for police, fire or ambulance services in your community and tell the operator that you have special information about your household. They will add the information to their computer records for future reference if it is ever needed. If this information changes, please notify your local community.
Q: Does a person need to speak English when calling 9-1-1?
A: No. 9-1-1 is available in many languages. Most communities in the Central Oklahoma 9-1-1 system subscribe to a language translation service that uses a network of interpreters. When a call-taker learns that a caller can't speak English, the call is relayed so an interpreter can provide communication between the caller and the call-taker.
Q: I just moved and need to know if 9-1-1 is available where I live. How do I find out?
A: 9-1-1 is available in the Central Oklahoma region, which includes cities, towns and communities in Oklahoma and Cleveland counties, and parts of Logan, Canadian, Grady and McClain counties. You can check the front of the telephone directory or call your local community to confirm your 9-1-1 service and to assure that your address is correct.