False 911 Calls
It’s not enough that dumb crooks have unwittingly called 911, but sometimes it’s old cordless phones that call to summon help. Yep, 911 personnel across North America still get calls from old cordless phones that malfunction and dial 911, said Nancy Branson, a spokesperson for a 911 district. She said, “What happens with cordless phones is that there’s a kind of chatter between the handset and the base. When the batteries get low, the digits start to become more random and sometimes dial 911.”
Known To Call 911
Older cordless phone models are well known to call 911 when no one’s home and are even known to seize control of the phone lines while owners are making other calls. No one’s sure of exactly how many false 911 calls are caused each year by malfunctioning cordless phones, but police and firefighters lose a lot of valuable time chasing the false calls.
Calls Still Are Made From Older Phones
The problem was so common in the U.S., that the FCC finally began requiring all cordless phone makers to install circuitry to keep the phone’s base from dialing numbers, unless the handset first transmits a security code. The change has helped to reduce the number of new false 911 calls, but operators still get bogus calls from older phones.
If you can’t afford a new cordless phone, then your best bet to prevent unwanted calls is to follow the owner’s manual and make sure that the batteries always stay charged. Although newer cordless phones are not supposed to dial randomly, under special circumstances, they have still been known to do so.
So, the answer to whether cordless phones call 911 as their batteries die is true or false, is that it’s true.
About Cordless Phones
Cordless phones are telephones that do not require a physical, wired connection between the handset and the base unit. They operate using radio waves, allowing users the freedom to move around while making or receiving calls within a certain range of the base unit.
Key Features of Cordless Phones:
Portability: Unlike traditional landline phones that have a cord connecting the handset to the base, cordless phones allow users to move around within a specific range.
Base Unit: The base unit is connected to the phone line and acts as a charger for the cordless handset. It also usually includes the keypad for dialing and often has additional features like speakerphone capabilities, phone book, and answering machine.
Handset: The cordless handset connects wirelessly to the base unit and is powered by rechargeable batteries. It includes a speaker, microphone, display screen, and buttons for making and receiving calls.
Range: The operating range varies depending on the specific model and technology. Some cordless phones can work within a range of a few hundred feet from the base unit.
DECT Technology: Many modern cordless phones use Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) technology, offering better sound quality, increased security, and reduced interference.
Additional Features: Cordless phones may have features such as multiple handsets that can connect to the same base unit, call blocking, call waiting, intercom, and compatibility with Bluetooth devices.
Cordless phones are commonly used in homes and businesses, providing the convenience of mobility and freedom from being tethered to a particular location while making or receiving phone calls. They offer a balance between the portability of a mobile phone and the familiarity of a landline phone.
About Emergency 911 Calls
911 is an emergency telephone number used in North America to quickly contact law enforcement, fire, or medical services in urgent situations. It was established as a standardized emergency number to provide a universal method for people to request assistance from emergency services.
Key Points about 911:
Emergency Services: Dialing 911 connects the caller to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) where trained operators receive and process emergency calls.
Purpose: The 911 emergency number is intended for situations that require immediate response from police, fire, or medical services. This includes accidents, crimes, medical emergencies and situations needing rapid intervention.
Universal Number: 911 is recognized and used across the United States and Canada as the primary emergency telephone number. It’s an easily remembered number that ensures individuals in need can quickly contact emergency services.
Enhanced 911 (E911): Many emergency call centers have upgraded to Enhanced 911, which automatically provides the operator with the caller’s location and callback number, making it easier to dispatch emergency services to the exact location of the emergency.
Response Time: The aim of 911 services is to provide swift and effective response to emergencies, saving lives and ensuring public safety.
It’s crucial to only use the 911 number for emergencies requiring immediate assistance. Misuse of the emergency number can divert resources from true emergencies, potentially impacting response times for those in critical need.
