Consider this #4: cell phone 911 takes time

[Robin]

In some states, cell phone 911 calls go to Highway Patrol and can take several minutes before dispatch responds. Then there's added delay transferring you to local dispatch. An old cell phone may be the final backup in your safe room but it's better to have the local PD's emergency number (not "9-1-1") on speed dial on a land line or active cell instead.

It's good to have that local emergency number on your active cell in case you need quick response outside of your home as well.

[SIG229DAK]

Remeber, not every locale is the same.

Our local 911 area goes to the county 911 center, so it's as fast as land-line 911.

Also, our 911 center handles 4 towns EMS, their PD's and county sheriff.   The city PD we live in only answers calls from 8am to 5pm / Mon. to Fri. and doesn't do dispatching.    So any other time it goes to the 911 center anyway.   We always dail 911.

[MikeBjerum]

Robin,

The key is to treat "911" as a generic number.  Everyone needs to know the best way to call for help where ever they are and when ever they need it.  Also, the phone and call are just one tool.  Regardless of how fast the call gets help to you it will not be fast enough.  The tool of calling 911 is only one of the many things you do to protect yourself.

Even if you never watch another episode you will note they did a very good job of showing that there are many steps to safety.  They also are giving you information on how to act when seconds count and the police are only minutes away.

Did you notice, even though they did not discuss it this week, that the locking bar for the door was used as a tool to gain separation from the assailant?

[ellis4538]

I live in a small community and actually live on the same street as Fire/EMS.  The same person answers non 911 calls on the same phone as he does 911 calls...makes for some misunderstandings.

Richard

[Robin]

Remeber, not every locale is the same.

Yep, which is why I said "in some states".

The key is to treat "911" as a generic number.  Everyone needs to know the best way to call for help where ever they are and when ever they need it.

Agreed. Blind reliance on dialing 9-1-1 may not be the best method. Other problems with cell phones I didn't mention include uneven coverage, delays after dialing before it starts to ring and no service due to other call volume.

Did you notice, even though they did not discuss it this week, that the locking bar for the door was used as a tool to gain separation from the assailant?

Yes and I commented on it in another thread. I am not saying the episode was junk--far from it. But 20 minutes isn't anywhere near enough time to cover all aspects of what they discuss. Hence these threads to expand on the ideas they present.

[Sponsor]

[DavidC77]

I would think that most people have two cell phones. I have one that's mine and my wife has one that is hers.

Now what we do with hers is leave it in the bedroom all the time so it is there if needed. The charger is there as well so she just takes it from there if she needs it and returns it to the charger when shes done with it. Mine is out in the livingroom next to our landline so it is right there if needed, also along with the charger.

[MikeBjerum]

I would think that most people have two cell phones. I have one that's mine and my wife has one that is hers.

Now what we do with hers is leave it in the bedroom all the time so it is there if needed. The charger is there as well so she just takes it from there if she needs it and returns it to the charger when shes done with it. Mine is out in the livingroom next to our landline so it is right there if needed, also along with the charger.

Move me to "not like most."  Top that off with the poor cell coverage we receive in our home, and we are pretty much on our own if someone cuts our lines.

[DavidC77]

Move me to "not like most."  Top that off with the poor cell coverage we receive in our home,

Ya I hear ya there, I had to change cell companys to get a signal at home also.

[SIG229DAK]

For those looking for another "Comms" option, I'd suggest getting a Ham radio license.   It's an easy 35 question test, with no morse code required now.

Many areas have repeater stations with Phone-Patches available to dial 911 or other emergency phone calls form a little hand-held radio 

KD7YOE - ARES/RACES officer
 

[Rastus]

For those looking for another "Comms" option, I'd suggest getting a Ham radio license.   It's an easy 35 question test, with no morse code required now.

Many areas have repeater stations with Phone-Patches available to dial 911 or other emergency phone calls form a little hand-held radio 

KD7YOE - ARES/RACES officer
 

Good point.  Often times 2 meter or 70cm FM is reliable in rural areas where cell phones fail.