Cell Phones and 9-1-1

Just a quick reminder today. Federal law requires that all cell phones, even those without an active service contract, be able to dial 9-1-1. This has an upside and a hazard to watch. The upside is that you can give a cell phone to an elderly or young family member to carry with them in case of emergency. It will only be able to dial 9-1-1 and it is no cost to you.

The hazard is the cell phone sitting around the house that is no longer used because you've upgraded can still dial 9-1-1. This means that it shouldn't be given to the toddler to play with because they can (and sometimes do) accidentally dial 9-1-1. While some agencies are able to trace cell phone locations to a specific point, most can't yet and that may result in dispatching units to an area in an attempt to locate someone who has dialed for help on a cell phone but won't speak to the dispatcher.

Thoughts anyone?