Emergency calling in the US: E911

E911 in the United States has stricter obligations than most countries. Registering an address is only part of it.

E911 in the United States has stricter obligations than most countries. Registering an address is only part of it.

Why the US is different

American rules go beyond having an address on file. They cover how precise that address must be, who inside your organisation must be notified when someone dials 911, and whether a caller can reach emergency services without dialling a prefix.

These are legal obligations on you as the operator of the phone system, not on us as your provider, so they are worth understanding rather than assuming they are handled.

What has to be right

• A dispatchable location per user, not just per building. In a large site, a floor or a suite may be required.
• Notification. Someone in your organisation should be alerted when a 911 call is made, so they can meet responders at the door.
• Direct dialling. Callers must be able to reach 911 without first dialling an outside-line prefix.

Keeping it current

An address registered once and never revisited is the most common failure. Add "confirm the emergency address" to whatever you already do when someone moves desk, changes office or starts working from home permanently.

Do not test by dialling

Never dial 911 to check the setup. If you want to verify what would be transmitted, ask us and we will check without placing a call.

If you operate in the US

Tell us where your people actually are, including anyone working from home. We will set up what is needed and tell you what remains your responsibility.

See also

• Emergency calling in the EU
• What CLASSOUND is and when you need it