Make 911 First Emergency Call

To mark Senior Citizens' Week, the Emergency Measures Organization is reminding Nova Scotians to make 911 their first call in an emergency situation.

"Some people, many of them seniors, tend to call a family member or friend before making the call to 911," said Jamie Muir, the Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Organization. "Sometimes in an emergency situation, there is only time for one call. That call should be to 911 so the appropriate emergency responders can be immediately notified."

All calls made from a conventional telephone to 911 are accompanied by data that is crucial to timely emergency response. This data includes the call-back number, the civic address from which the call is made and the emergency agencies serving that address.

The system still works if a neighbour or family member at another address or even in another community makes the call to 911 but the call-taking process takes longer. In that situation, the call taker has to get the phone number at the location of the emergency and then use the database to find the correct civic address. Then the call is routed to dispatch in the normal manner.

Nova Scotians are reminded that the 911 service operates 24-hours per day. Callers should stay on the line until they are told to hang up; additional information may be required. If the 911 caller is unable to speak, it's a good idea to leave the phone off the hook so the call taker can hear what is going on in the background. In Nova Scotia, police respond to no-voice calls.

Posting the proper civic address is another way people can contribute to the success of 911 and, consequently, their own security. Civic number signs should be posted where they are clearly visible from the roadway day or night.

"911 is a valuable service, especially for seniors who are living independently," said Mr. Muir. "By working together, we can all ensure the system's continued effectiveness."

The Emergency Measures Organization has a roster of volunteers who are available to make public education presentations on 911 to school classes, seniors clubs or other community groups. For more information, contact the Emergency Measures Organization at 902-424-5620.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The following is a list of 911 tips for seniors, titled Facts for Seniors:

• Call 911 right away in an emergency.

• Call 911 before calling a family member. Once help is on the way, arrangements can be made to notify your family.

• Stay on the line with the 911 call taker and answer all questions. The more information emergency responders have, the better they are able to help you.

• Try to be patient and stay calm. The call taker and emergency dispatchers may need to ask additional questions while help is on the way.

• If you cannot speak, leave the phone off the hook so the 911 call taker can hear what is happening.

• It is a good idea to post your civic address by your telephone. If you have just moved after retirement, you may have a new address, but you may recite your old address in an emergency situation. Or you may have visitors who are not familiar with your civic address. This makes it difficult for the call taker to verify the address that appears on the computer screen.

• Emergency responders cannot help you if they cannot find you. Post your civic number -- large white numbers against a dark background works best -- outside your home so it can be seen from the road in the day or night.

• All calls to 911 are free, even from pay phones or cellular phones.

• 911 is a 24-hour-per-day service. You should call immediately when an emergency occurs, even if it is in the middle of the night.

For more information on Nova Scotia's 911 program, call 902-424- 5620.