The advancement of wireless telephone technology has enabled people to report emergencies from just about any location. We now live in a highly mobile society. The added ability to make telephone calls from sometimes unfamiliar locations requires special calling considerations.

With wireless calls the telecommunicator/call taker will receive general location information such as the latitude and longitude indicating the caller's location. This data is then converted by our computer systems into a location on a computerized map. Aerial imaging known as Pictometry further enhances our mapping systems.

Wireless callers will often witness an incident, such as a vehicle off the road, or a motor vehicle accident and will not call 9-1-1 until after they are several miles away. This makes the task of gathering location information and pinpointing the incident extremely difficult.

If you witness an incident worthy of calling 9-1-1, please pull over a safe distance away and call 9-1-1. This will better ensure that an accurate location is obtained.

It is IMPORANT that you know your wireless telephone number. We are going to ask you to verify your wireless telephone number.

NEVER TEXT MESSAGE OR INSTANT MESSAGE 9-1-1! The technology does not yet exist for 9-1-1 centers to process text messages or instant messages.

1. Call from a safe place. If you come upon an incident, be certain the area is safe. Provide the telecommunicator/call taker with as much location information as possible, including cross streets, mile markers, vehicle color, license plate number, points of reference, etc.
   
   
2. Remain calm. Speak clearly and slowly.
   
   
3. Answer all questions. Are there injuries? If so, how many? Is it just a matter that a tow truck is needed? Midway through your call, the emergency responders will be dispatched. Don't be alarmed when the telecommunicator/call taker instructs you to remain on the line, help is likely already on the way!
   
   
4. Listen for instructions. Do exactly what the telecommunicator/call taker says to do.
   
   
5. Stay on the line. Don't hang up until you are told to do so. Depending on the situation, the telecommunicator/call taker may need you to remain on the line.

To report non-emergency incidents, call 343-1313 or 1-800-962-4433.

Questions about Oswego County 911?