NENA: The 9-1-1 Association - National Media Advisory for the 50th Anniversary of 9-1-1

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- February 16, 2018 marks the 50(th) anniversary of the first 9-1-1 call. Today, America's 9-1-1 centers answer more than 650,000 emergency calls a day. That is more than 240 million callers per year, reaching out to 9-1-1 for help in some of the more stressful situations imaginable.

This anniversary presents the ideal time to celebrate the accomplishments of our 9-1-1 system, reflect on how far it has come in the last 50 years, and discuss the critical improvements needed moving forward.

We hope you will consider covering the 50(th) anniversary of 9-1-1 in your reporting. Below are a few story suggestions:

The History of 9-1-1: In January of 1968, AT&T announced its designation of 9-1-1 as a universal emergency number. Just 35 days later, Senator Rankin Fite completed the first 9-1-1 call over a GTE telephone line in Haleyville, Alabama. This event introduced the concept of basic 9-1-1 service to the American public.

    --  Fun fact: The phone used to answer the first 9-1-1 call in the United
        States is in a museum in Haleyville, Alabama. A duplicate is still used
        at the police station there.

Progression of 9-1-1 over the last 50 years: In its inception, 9-1-1 was designed as a local service. As more of the population began to depend on 9-1-1 services there was a growing need for faster, more accurate responses. From the creation of wireless phones to mobile phones, 9-1-1 has had to evolve to meet the needs of communities around the country.

Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911): In many communities, the 9-1-1 system is still geared to the era of copper wires and landline phones. NG911 is an emerging set of standards for an Internet-Protocol-based system enabling voice and multimedia communications between a 911 caller, the 911 center, and responders in the field.

    --  Among the hottest 9-1-1 tech topics are:
        --  Texting to 9-1-1 which is under development in many areas but not
            yet not available in all communities;
        --  Cybersecurity as it relates to Next Generation systems; and
        --  Wireless-phone location accuracy, which remains far short of the
            ideal.

Local 9-1-1 Heroes: Practically every community has 9-1-1 call takers who have calmly and professionally saved the day in recent dangerous situations. These stories make for excellent "feel-good" features and provide a means of both educating the public about relevant issues and honoring these unsung heroes of public safety.

    --  We would be delighted to assist you in identifying local 9-1-1
        professionals that are serving as heroes in their communities.
    --  www.ThankYou911.org provides a vehicle for the public to say "thanks" to
        9-1-1 professionals and contribute financially to education and wellness
        programs.

Consumer Tips:

    --  Whenever possible, dial 9-1-1 from a landline phone; it may help
        responders find you faster.
    --  If you call from a wireless phone, get ready to mention a specific
        address, landmark, or a highway mile marker.
    --  Texting to 9-1-1 may be coming soon but it is not yet available in all
        areas.
    --  For more 9-1-1 tips, visit here.

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SOURCE NENA: The 9-1-1 Association