How does the 9-1-1 Center know my location when I call from a cell phone?
Butler County Emergency Communications is a Phase 2 enabled answering point. This means that when you dial 9-1-1 from a cell phone, the 9-1-1 call taker can see your approximate location by receiving the location of the cell tower your call is coming from. The call taker then also attempts to get your exact coordinates through GPS. This process can take 20 seconds or more and the coordinates they receive could be about the size of a football stadium. These coordinates do not include elevation which can be critical when calling from a multi-story building.

When you call 9-1-1 always assume the 9-1-1 call-taker does not know where you are and be prepared to give all address and location information for the emergency, including landmarks. Learn more about address and location information.

Show All Answers

1. What information do I need to provide when I call 9-1-1?
2. Why does 9-1-1 ask so many questions?
3. Is help being sent while I am answering all the questions being asked by 9-1-1?
4. How does the 9-1-1 Center know my location when I call from a cell phone?
5. What should I do if I accidentally call 9-1-1?
6. What should I teach my child about calling 9-1-1?
7. Is the Butler County ECC able to assist callers who do not speak English?
8. Does the Butler County ECC have the ability to assist hearing and speech impaired callers?
9. I was trying to make a long distance call from my office and got 9-1-1 by mistake. Why does this happen?
10. Who pays for 9-1-1?
11. Why does the 9-1-1 call-taker sometimes transfer my call to another person?
12. Reverse911 - Do you already have my phone number?
13. Reverse911 - What if I have voice over internet phone service?
14. Reverse911 - I am hearing impaired and have a TTY/TDD device ... Will I still receive emergency notifications?
15. Reverse911 - Will my number be sold or shared?
16. Reverse911 - I have call screening to discourage telemarketers. Will I receive Reverse 911?
17. Reverse911 - Can I add more than one cell phone number to my address?
18. Reverse911 - I live in a remote area, sometimes my location is hard to find.
19. Reverse911 - I did not get called during a recent event. How can I be sure my information is correct?