911 Celebrates 7th Anniversary

More than 1,400,000 callers have received the help they needed thanks to provincewide 911 services introduced in 1997.

Wednesday, July 7 marks the seventh anniversary of the provincewide 911 system in Nova Scotia.

"We were the first in Canada to have provincewide 911 service," said Ernest Fage, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act, "and we have become leaders in continuing to create opportunities to develop a better system."

And the Emergency Measures Organization has been working on a number of other major improvements to the system for Nova Scotians, including new call-taking equipment in 2001, enhancements to the 911 call-taker training program and increased public education in the schools and the community in the proper use of 911. In addition, improvements to 911 civic addressing systems are ongoing, and technological enhancements to cellular service now allow call back identification.

"While all these improvements contribute to the safety and security of Nova Scotians, our most valuable resource -- contributing to the success of this service -- is our 911 call- takers," said Mr. Fage. "Each year more than 150 men and women apply their expertise, knowledge and judgment to make a difference in the lives of more than 200,000 Nova Scotians who call 911 for help."

Some things individuals can do to help 911 operate more effectively are:

• Ensure your civic address is posted, especially in rural and cottage locations. Having a civic number posted in a visible location so emergency responders can find you, in the day or night, is one of the most important things individuals can do to be better prepared.
• Do not program 9-1-1 into any phone. Too many accidental calls are made to 911 because of people pre-programming the number into the phone. It can also confuse children if they are taught to use a pre-programmed button instead of dialing 9-1-1, especially if they have to call 911 from another location.
• In the case of an emergency call 911 first, instead of a neighbour or relative.
• Teach your children about emergencies and explain the proper use of 911.

"911 has been extremely successful in saving the lives of many Nova Scotians. It is essential to continue to improve our system and keep it current," said Mr. Fage. "We recognize the need to have a world-class 911 system in place -- Nova Scotians deserve no less -- and the ongoing improvements will ensure this happens."

For more information about the 911 system or for tips on how to teach children about 911 visit the Emergency Measures Organization website at www.gov.ns.ca/emo .