Carroll County Central Dispatch is reminding residents that cell phone calls to 911 may initially reach a dispatch center in another county, depending on wireless network coverage and cell tower connections.
For example, someone calling 911 from Burlington in Carroll County could be connected to a cell tower in Howard County, causing the call to initially route to Howard County Dispatch instead of Carroll County.
Although Next Generation 911 technology has improved location accuracy, a caller’s location may not be immediately available or precise. Buildings, terrain and wireless coverage can affect how accurately a phone’s location is determined.
Dispatchers will still ask callers to confirm the location of an emergency, even when location information appears on their screens. This helps ensure police, fire and emergency medical services are sent to the correct location.
When calling 911, residents should be prepared to provide their town, street address, nearest intersection or nearby landmarks. Callers should answer all location questions and remain on the line if their call reaches another county’s dispatch center. Dispatchers can help connect the call to the appropriate agency.
Carroll County Emergency Management and Public Safety Communications reminds residents that technology can help identify a caller’s location, but clearly communicating where an emergency is happening remains essential.