The Houston County Sheriffs Office would like to extend a huge thank-you to the men and women who operate the 911 Center each and everyday. HCSO Communications Division answers and dispatches for not only HCSO, but 6 municipality police departments, and 17 volunteer-fire/rescue agencies 365 days a year. We are honored to say we have some of the best under those headsets.
Every year during the second week of April, the telecommunications personnel in the public safety community, are honored. This week-long event is a time to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public. It is a week that should be set aside so everyone can be made aware of their hard work and dedication.
An estimated 240 million calls are made to 9-1-1 in the U.S. each year. In many areas, 80% or more are from wireless devices. (https://www.nena.org/page/911Statistics) Review 911 emergency call advice: 9-1-1 is for police, fire and medical emergencies only. Non-emergency calls should be directed to non-emergency phone numbers: 334-677-4808 or 334-677-4807. Details are critical. Stay on the line with the 9-1-1 operator and answer all the questions that they ask. Provide an accurate location, if you do not know the exact address, provide the call taker with all the details that you can. Look for landmarks, cross streets, signs, and buildings. First responders need an accurate location to respond as fast as possible. Try to stay calm and speak clearly. Don’t hang up when calling 9-1-1. If you called by mistake, let the operator know. DO NOT call 9-1-1 for jokes or prank calls.
