FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is there a limit as to what issues the Task Force will pursue?
The only limitation is that the issue must be consistent with what the charter calls for and there are the necessary resources, expertise, and time to adequately address the issue.
Why do 911 cell phone calls NOT necessarily go to the right county?
A cell call location is determined by the cell tower that picked up the signal, which may be in another county or state. In rural areas, underserved with cell towers, this is a frequent occurrence sending the call to the wrong County 911 Center. It is important the caller know their precise location (including county and state) so the urgent call can be quickly forwarded to the correct 911 County call center. The FCC defines this as call misrouting and states it occurs frequently and occasionally with deadly consequences.
What happens if my 911 call gets misdirected to the wrong county?
Always call 911 first! In the event your call is misdirected, each county has a direct line to the 911 Emergency Operations Center as follows:
- Brunswick County, VA 434-848-3133
- Halifax County, NC 252-583-7051
- Mecklenburg County, VA 434-738-0028
- Northampton County, NC 252-574-1041
- Warren County, NC 252-257-3456
What else should a rural citizen address to ensure the fastest 911 services?
As many rural homes set off the road and are in low light we recommend your house number be posted roadside at your driveway, using 4” reflective numbers. For emergency vehicles to best see them, stake them 4’-7’ off the ground. If you have already done this, be sure the numbers are not blocked by overgrown shrubbery. Because seconds count, we also recommend sending someone to wave down 911 services and clear a path to the victim in a medical emergency.
How do I know if I have a landline or a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) house phone?
Some people have Magic-Jack or Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service. These work much like cell phones and result in the same problems! Call your house phone service provider to be sure that it is a landline and not a VoIP or other Internet type phone service.
If I have a VoIP phone, how do I know my call will be routed to the correct 911 call center?
Most VoIP providers allow customers to register their physical addresses. This is the address that will appear to the 911 dispatcher. The FCC does not require all types of VoIP providers to comply, so we recommend you contact your VoIP provider and validate they have your current physical address registered.
When will Enhanced 911 and Next Generation 911 provide a precise location for 911 cell calls in rural areas?
The Next Generation 911 (NG911) which will provide Emergency Services Internet Protocol Networks (ESInets) is coming. By April 3, 2021, nationwide providers must achieve 50-meter horizontal accuracy or provide a dispatchable location for 80% of all wireless 911 calls. These are complex implementations, broken into phases with staggered achievement benchmarks, spanning 15+ years. Ultimately technology upgrades at the local 911 call centers is necessary.
For smaller communities, not as prosperous as urban areas, wireless location-based routing will lag until funding, policies, and governance get worked out locally. The rural dweller needs to be prepared and ready prior to making that 911 cell call. No date is yet provided for meeting this FCC mandate for our Lake Gaston surrounding counties.
Are our elected officials all familiar with issues and challenges that confront rural communities?
Some are aware of these challenges but, with so many issues on their agenda, issues and concerns faced by rural communities are often not of the priority we may desire. Whenever the Taskforce has an opportunity to raise these issues with elected and public officials, we take advantage of it. We encourage others to do the same.
How can I arrange for a 20-minute presentation at our next Home Owners Association Meeting?
Contact us at LKG911taskforce@gmail.com . We will arrange to have someone speak and will provide informational packets for all of your homeowners.
How do I volunteer to help the LKG 911 Community Task Force?
Email us at LKG911taskforce@gmail.com about your areas of interest and we can tell you about our various Task Force Teams and hook you up with like-minded volunteers!