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Dispatch seeks address info

EMS officials appealed to employers last week to educate their workers on how local 911 service works.

Tusayan Fire Chief Robbie Evans and park Dispatch manager Lori Tuttle spoke at last Wednesday's Chamber of Commerce meeting.

"In the last three or four months there have been issues with 911," said Evans. He noted that a recent call to report a cardiac case at the Holiday Inn Express was answered in Phoenix.

All 911 calls made on land lines in the 638 exchange are routed to Park Dispatch. Most calls made on cell phones are routed to the county dispatcher, though they can travel much farther. Tuttle said that dialing 911 activates a regular phone number unique to the community.

"There is still a 10-digit number attached behind the 911," she said.

Enhanced 911, which provides dispatchers with an address along with the caller's telephone number, is still more than a year away.

Tuttle said that residents can enjoy some of the benefits of enhanced 911 if they provide Park Dispatch with an address to associate with their telephone number. Also helpful would be information on how many people live in the home and any special medical considerations.

Tuttle also provided information on 911, including a checklist with critical questions and said copies are available for employers to distribute or post. Contact her at Park Dispatch for materials.

She said that business owners have had difficulties when trying to use 911 after changing from Qwest to other provider. Customers must make sure there is an agreement in place to route 911 calls to the Park.

Residents of Grand Canyon and Tusayan are asked to register their home telephone number and address with the local 911 Public Safety Dispatch Center. The 911 system serving this area provides the dispatcher only a phone number. By registering with park dispatch, residents have the added security of having their phone number associated with an address. Information on people in the home and their medical needs is also useful.

New residents, residents changing addresses and those who haven't registered are encouraged to provide their information. It is confidential and is used only to identify the origin of 911 calls. To register, call 638-7805.


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