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RI E911 FAQs
About the Rhode Island Enhanced 911 System What is 9-1-1? 9-1-1 is the fastest and most effective emergency telephone number available. In Rhode Island, a 911 call is immediately transferred to the appropriate town's police, fire or rescue dispatching center. What is Enhanced 911? Enhanced 9-1-1, often referred to as E 911, is a system that allows the 911 Telecommunicator to view the wireline caller's address and telephone number. The information is verified by the telecommunicator, and the call is forwarded to the appropriate public safety dispatch center. This location information is not yet available for wireless calls. 9-1-1 Emergencies What is considered a 9-1-1 emergency? A 9-1-1 emergency is defined as an incident, which requires immediate police, fire, or emergency medical attention. NEVER call 9-1-1 for information, directions, directory assistance, or as a prank. However, if in doubt whether questionable situations are indeed emergencies, DO NOT HESITATE to call 9-1-1. What if I am unable to speak and I need help? The 911 system allows the telecommunicator to "know" where you are calling from if you are using a wireline phone. If you cannot speak - for instance, if you are experiencing a medical emergency or there is an intruder in your home, just dial 9-1-1 and leave the phone off the hook. DO NOT HANG UP. Help will be sent to you. Using the Rhode Island Enhanced 911 System What if I have to report an emergency from a cellular phone? (1) Know the location of the incident you are reporting and communicate that location clearly. If you are unsure of the location, be prepared to give a street name, route or exit number, or a landmark that will help. (2) Let the telecommunicator know your callback number in case you are disconnected. (3) Speak slowly and distinctly. (4) If you are asked to repeat, please do so. Reception quality is sometimes poor due to topographical or atmospheric conditions that interfere with your transmission. (5) Be safe and remember to pull over to the side of the road to make your call. Are 911 services available to TDD users? Yes, there are devices for the deaf on line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. What if the caller can't speak English? The Rhode Island E 911 Emergency Telephone System has Language Line services available for over-the-phone interpretation. Language Line interpreters listen to the speaker, analyze the message and accurately convey the information to the telecommunicator. Interpretation services are available for 148 of the most commonly spoken languages around the world. Miscellaneous 911 Information Do you need to deposit a coin in order to dial 9-1-1 from a pay phone? No, not if there is a dial tone when you pick up the receiver. What should I teach my child about 9-1-1? Teach children to call 9-1-1 when they need help in a hurry from police, fire or emergency medical personnel. Teach children to stay calm, speak clearly and stay on the phone when calling 9-1-1. Most importantly, teach children that calling 9-1-1 is not a game and should only be used in an EMERGENCY. Remember, it is against the law to dial 9-1-1 if you do not have an emergency; someone else may not get the service they need if you are playing with 9-1-1, and when you dial 9-1-1, your telephone number and address will appear on the telecommunicator's computer screen. | ||||
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1951 Smith Street, North Providence, RI 02911-1716 ·
Phone: 401-354-0911 · Fax: 401-354-0933
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