Help Prevent
Unintentional 911 Calls

Wireless Safety
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Help us decrease unintentional 911 calls

Turn off the autodial feature or lock your keypad

Did you know that if your wireless phone keypad is accidentally bumped or if a certain key is pressed on the keypad it could begin to dial 911 emergency response? Depending on your wireless provider, your phone may be pre-programmed to dial 911 by pressing only one button. If you leave your phone on and the keypad gets bumped or pressed, it may place an unintentional call to 911.

Unlike your phone at home and work, most wireless phones currently do not provide the caller's location and phone number to 911 operators like landline phones do. Emergency operators have to determine the location and nature of the call by talking with the caller. If there is no one on the other end of the phone, such as when an unintentional call is made, the dispatcher has to take extra time listening to see if it is a legitimate emergency call. That slows response time for "real" 911 emergency calls.

Help keep the 911 phones lines open for real emergencies.
Read your owner's manual or contact your wireless provider to find out how to lock your keypad or turn off the autodial feature. Or, turn off your phone when it is not in use. If your phone does not have a keypad lock feature, it's important to be aware of how your wireless phone is carried, whether in purses, bags or on your belt.

"The wireless industry reminds you to use your phone safely when driving."
 

Directions to disable the emergency button or lock the keypad may be found on the following page.
Phone Instructions

Customers should click on their wireless provider's link for more information.

AT&T Wireless Services
Cellular Mobile Systems
HickoryTech
Midwest Wireless
Nextel Communications
Qwest Wireless
Rural Cellular Corporation, d.b.a. Cellular 2000 and Unicel
 

Tips on how
Lock your keypad to prevent unintended calls to 9-1-1
Unintentional Wireless 9-1-1 Calls Causing System Congestion
Help us decrease unintentional 9-1-1 calls

Dialing Emergency 9-1-1
Using your wireless phone to stay in touch

Tips for Safe Travel with Your Wireless Phone
View the 10 Safety Tips