911 Services    
        

        911 Services are delivered in several different ways.  Traditionally it comes via the home telephone service provider.  In our particular area of Lake County it is delivered through SBC or Alltel.

        With the advent of cellular telephones and voice-over IP (Internet Provider service) many people are choosing to get rid of their home telephone service as we traditionally know it.   They are selecting cellular services, or Voice-Over IP, for their telephone needs.  There can be great cost savings by doing this.  However, there are some issues that you need to be aware related to your 911 services.

Traditional Telephone Service and 911

       Using traditional telephone service (hard-line connections ) when you dial 911 your name and address automatically appears on a screen at your local police or fire service.  This is called Enhanced 911 and is available throughout Lake County.

Cellular

       Using cellular telephones today the police and/or fire department does not know who is calling, or more importantly, where they are calling from.  In other words, your name and address is not displayed on a screen for them.  Currently in Lake County we are working on wireless 911 service which will provide the above items.  However, you need to know that this service is approximately 2 years away.

Voice-Over Internet Provider

       Using Voice-Over Internet Provider Service ( where an internet provider not only provides your internet services but also your telephone service ) presents a new problem for the delivery of 911 services .  When you are using one of these services, and dial 911, your call is routed through a company which could be located anywhere throughout the world.  It does not go directly to your police and/or fire department.  That internet provider services then must figure out where to send your call. It is very important when purchasing one of these internet provider services that you fill out all necessary paperwork with the provider so that they know where to properly send your call.  Failure to do so can result in serious delay of your emergency call getting to the right police or fire department. It is yours and your internet provider service responsibility to handle this.  The Sheriff's Office cannot handle this for you.