The following is important information regarding landline phones, cellular phones, payphones, and VoIP phones.

LANDLINE PHONES:

1. The most reliable phone is the landline phone.  Landline phones are connected to a telephone line in your home so there is an accurate and specific address as well as a correct call-back number associated with them.

2. If the handset is cordless, instruct your child on how to turn the phone on and to remain close enough to the house/building to retain a signal.  ( Warning:  If your home loses power, your cordless phone will NOT work.)

CELLULAR PNONES:

1. If cell phones are charged, they can dial 9-1-1 even if there are no minutes left on the phone or no service plan in effect.

2. Cell phones are mobile so there is not a specific address associated with them.  (Clare County Central Dispatch is FCC Cellular Phase II capable.  This means if your cell phone is a Phase II cellular phone that can transmit the longitude and latitude of a cell phone’s location, call-back number, and the name of the owner of the phone, the information may be received by the dispatch center.)

3. Cell Phones need to be near working cell towers to work well.  During long-term electrical outages, the towers you rely on to receive your cell phone signal may lose power.

4. Different types of cell phones operate differently.  Please instruct children, or others that are unaware, how to operate your particular cell phone.

PAYPHONES:

1. You do not need to deposit money in a payphone to make a 9-1-1 call; it’s a free call.

VoIP PHONES:

1. Check with your VoIP phone provider to see if it provides 9-1-1 access. (Many vendors state they do provide 9-1-1, but they do not provide direct access to 911!)

2. If your power is out, your VoIP service may also be out.

3. When calling for emergency help, give your location (include cross streets) and call-back number.  Many VoIP services do not provide this information.