HOW 9-1-1 WORKS
When you dial into 9-1-1, the signal goes to the phone company where it finds out the information that you supply the phone company when you start your service. This is why it is important to update your address record with your phone company, or if you use Voice Over Internet Phone (VoIP) update with your Cable provider, when you move. Then your address information is sent to the Columbia County 911 Center in the form of Automatic Name and Location information (ANI/ALI). Columbia County 911 is also Phase II compatible with all major cellular telephone companies. This means we can send a signal to your phone to request your GPS coordinates. With most cellular carriers we can determine your location to within about 50 feet.
The Emergency Dispatcher answering your 9-1-1 call is highly trained and determines the type of service needed through their interview process. They provide initial help if necessary and then immediately dispatch the appropriate emergency agency to assist you. In many cases while one Dispatcher is on the phone with you, another is already dispatching help to your location.
Columbia County 911 dispatches 32 fire departments, 5 EMS agencies, and 5 police agencies to emergency calls.
A 911 Emergency Dispatcher is a public safety employee who asks questions to determine the who, what, where, how and why in a multitude of circumstances, in which the caller often mistakenly assumes that the answers are obvious. That is why the caller must make sure answers to questions are clear, complete and precise. Once the Dispatcher has the necessary details they will let you know when you can hang up. Depending on the circumstances, the Dispatcher may remain on the phone with you until help arrives.
The Emergency Dispatcher answering your 9-1-1 call is highly trained and determines the type of service needed through their interview process. They provide initial help if necessary and then immediately dispatch the appropriate emergency agency to assist you. In many cases while one Dispatcher is on the phone with you, another is already dispatching help to your location.
Columbia County 911 dispatches 32 fire departments, 5 EMS agencies, and 5 police agencies to emergency calls.
A 911 Emergency Dispatcher is a public safety employee who asks questions to determine the who, what, where, how and why in a multitude of circumstances, in which the caller often mistakenly assumes that the answers are obvious. That is why the caller must make sure answers to questions are clear, complete and precise. Once the Dispatcher has the necessary details they will let you know when you can hang up. Depending on the circumstances, the Dispatcher may remain on the phone with you until help arrives.