TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
ALL NON-WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
WV ARES BULLETIN NR 09.14 DATE: April 5, 2009
SUBJECT: AUTOMATIC DIAL TELEPHONES
Do you have a telephone that has the ability to dial pre-stored telephone numbers so that you only have to press one button to make a telephone call? Is that telephone placed in a location that is secure and can't be accidently activated by a pet, such as a dog or cat?
It might be a little embarrassing to let someone outside of your home listen to private conversations that might be going on in your home.
If your telephone is like a lot of other telephones, it also has the ability to dial the emergency number, 911. This can also be embarrassing to have a visit from your local Fire, Police, and Ambulance Squads. It's a normal protocol when the 911 Center gets an emergency telephone call on 911, and there's no conversation on the line. They automatically dispatch emergency responders to the telephone caller's location.
So if you have an automatic number dialing telephone, and any pets, be sure to keep the telephone in a place that it can't be accidently knocked off hook and any buttons pressed as the pet walks over the phone, otherwise you may let the whole world know what is going on inside you home, or have an unwanted visit from you local emergency responders.
(Inspired by an hour and ten minute silent telephone call).
See how easy it is to come up with an idea for a bulletin. If you ever have an idea for a bulletin, let me know.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV
WV ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
WV ARES District 3 Emergency Coordinator