How To Reach A 911 Operator While On The Road

The long holiday weekend means traveling for a lot of us. Some can be flying and some will be driving to head up to their destination. If you are one of those driving, here are some things you should do, should you need 911 assistance, as you take that long trek:

1. Always keep your phone on to make the phone visible to the greatest number of cell towers.
2. When driving in an unfamiliar route, note landmarks such as exit numbers, mile markers, river crossings or even a mall so that you can help an emergency operator locate you.
3. If 911 can’t be reach on the first try, hang up and try again. Your call may be picked up by another tower.
4. Once you get through, assume that the operator won’t know your number or location. Give your cell phone number immediately -even before explaining the problem – so the operator can call back if the call is dropped. Then give your location.
5. If you like to have a cell phone to use in an emergency, as most people do, choose a phone that maximizes the chance of you getting through 911. That said, a dual band or tri-mode or multi-network handset is best. These type of handsets  work in more than one frequency band or that it can use more than one network. They can receive  analog signal and operates in two frequency bands.
6. Know the status of your local wireless E911 service .