Understanding 9-1-1:
One of our goals is making sure everyone in our region knows how to use 9-1-1 properly in an emergency. Whether it’s police, fire, medical, or even poison-related emergency services that are needed, knowing when to call, how to call, and what to say can save lives and protect property.
9-1-1 Safety for Kids
Teaching kids about 9-1-1 is just as important as teaching adults. That’s why we encourage parents and teachers to show kids the 9-1-1: Getting Help is Easy video. Designed for children ages 4-7, it is a fun, engaging video that helps kids understand how 9-1-1 works in a way that’s easy to remember.
Additionally, we encourage you to download activities and other resources for teachers and parents. All of the tools are available for you to use in the classroom or at home.
9-1-1 Classroom Resources
These educational tools are provided by the Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) Public Education Program.
In-Person Presentations
SCHEDULE A PRESENTATION
Samantha Davis oversees public education on the regional 9-1-1 system and how to access 9-1-1. She is available to present at schools, civic clubs, and other places where people are interested in learning more about 9-1-1. You can call 903-255-3526 or CLICK HERE to schedule a presentation.
CELL PHONE SALLY
Cell Phone Sally is the popular 9-1-1 mascot who, along with her friends, teaches children various 9-1-1 life-saving skills. The job of Cell Phone Sally is to teach kids how to use 9-1-1 when they need police, fire, or an ambulance. If you would like Cell Phone Sally to make an appearance at your event, contact Samantha. Because Cell Phone Sally is a shared mascot, she may not always be available to attend events.
Text to 9-1-1
Text to 9-1-1 is exactly what it sounds like: a way to send a text message to 9-1-1 emergency services instead of making a voice call. This service is available in our region and helps people who might be in situations where speaking aloud could be dangerous or difficult. It’s particularly useful for:
- People with hearing or speech impairments
If you can’t make a voice call, texting is a way to get the help you need. - Domestic violence situations
If you’re in a situation where speaking could alert the perpetrator, texting allows you to reach help without detection. - Certain medical emergencies
If you’re unable to speak due to injury or illness, texting may be your only option.
Kari's Law
On May 15, 2015, Governor Abbott signed Senate Bill 788 (Texas Kari’s Law). The law represents the culmination of efforts in the aftermath of the murder of Kari Hunt in a motel room in Marshall, Texas. Ms. Hunt’s 9-year-old daughter tried to call 9-1-1 for help four times from the motel room phone. The call never went through because she did not know to first dial “9” for an outbound line before dialing “9-1-1.”
On March 1, 2016, Commission on State Emergency Communications Rule 251.16 (Direct Access to 9-1-1 Service) adopted to implement Texas Kari’s Law went into effect.
Kari’s Law requires all organizations or businesses that utilize a multi-line telephone system (MLTS) to provide direct dialing to 9-1-1. Every business operating with an MLTS must be compliant or have a waiver on file with its 9-1-1 authority. Organizations that choose to file a waiver in lieu of compliance must also provide a sticker on their MLTS phones detailing how to dial 9-1-1 from the device.
RAY BAUM’S Act
RAY BAUM’S Act requires that a “dispatchable location” is passed along with every 9-1-1 call to a PSAP/ECC, regardless of the technology platform. This includes 9-1-1 calls from an MLTS. A dispatchable location means a validated street address of the person calling and additional information such as a room or floor number. However, these rules do not apply to wireless providers who are subject to separate location accuracy requirements and benchmarks.
RAY BAUM’S Act affects MLTS manufacturers, owners and operators as well as service providers, state and local 9-1-1 authorities, and PSAPs/ECCs. Service providers include companies that provide fixed telephony, interconnected VoIP service, mobile text services, and more. Those who manufacture, own, and manage MLTS and service providers must comply with the laws and deadlines.