10/09/2026
📱🚨 911 KNOWS WHERE I AM… RIGHT?
Did you know that when you call 911 from your cell phone, your call might initially reach a 911 center in a different town?
When you dial 911, the wireless network helps route your call based on cell tower coverage and available location information.
For example, you could be standing in Wilmington, but your phone may be connected to a tower in Tewksbury. Depending on how the call is routed, your call could initially reach NMRECC instead of Wilmington's 911 center.
📍 BUT DOESN'T 911 KNOW MY LOCATION?
Next Generation 911 (NG911) has greatly improved location technology, but it's not always immediate or perfectly accurate.
Your initial location may only be approximate, with more accurate information becoming available as the call continues. Buildings, terrain, and wireless coverage can also affect accuracy.
❓ THAT'S WHY WE ASK: "WHERE IS YOUR EMERGENCY?"
Even when a location appears on our screens, our dispatchers will ask you to confirm it. This helps us verify your location and ensure the correct police, fire, or EMS department responds.
🚨 WHEN CALLING 911, REMEMBER:
✅ Know your town, street address, or nearby landmarks.
✅ Answer the dispatcher's location questions, even if you think we already know.
✅ If your call reaches a different 911 center, **don't hang up!** Stay on the line so we can get you connected to the right agency.
💛 Technology helps, but your voice matters most.
When seconds count, knowing WHERE makes a difference.
