401 Main Street
Pevely, Missouri 63070-0358
Dispatch: 636-475-5301
Records: 636-475-4498
Fax: 636-475-4632
911 Information
What is and how does 911 work?
In 1988 a huge change came to the Pevely Communications Center with the addition of enhanced 911 (E911). This improved the speed and accuracy with which a 911 call could be dispatched. An E911 system with the aid of ANI/ALI (Automatic Number Identified/Automatic Location Identified) identifies the 911 callers address listed with the phone company. As the dispatcher is asking 911 What is the location of your emergency?, a phone number and address is instantaneously being displayed for verification of the emergencies location. This allows the 911 dispatcher to send police officers, even if the caller cannot speak, becomes unconscious, is a child or gets disconnected. Remember even with disconnected service, cell phones and home phones can be used to dial 911.
Calling 911 from a Cellular Phone
911 calls from a cellular phone are usually routed to the local county agency but can go to another county agency depending on your signal strength. Then your call could be transferred to another municipality agency depending on where you are in your journey. The caller's name and location is not provided for the 911 dispatcher. This is because the E911 features are not yet available for cell phone callers. It is important that when placing a 911 call from a cell phone, you provide the dispatcher your location immediately. This has proven to be a challenge due to many callers are from out of the area and don't always know their location.
The Future of 911
Current and future projects include wireless Phase 1 and Phase 2. In Phase 1 a wireless number will be obtained from the 911 caller and displayed to the dispatcher. In Phase 2 the wireless location coordinates will be sent and displayed to the dispatcher. Wireless Phase 1 and 2 will function the same as an ANI/ALI except it is used for identifying cell phone callers. With Phase 2 GPS Coordinates will be displayed to the dispatcher for an accurate location.
When should you use 911
911 is only to be used in emergency situations. An emergency is a situation that requires immediate assistance from law enforcement, the fire department, or an ambulance. If you are ever in trouble or weather a situation is an emergency you should call 911. Its better to be safe and let the 911 dispatcher determine if you need emergency assistance.
Do not call 911 for the following:
- For Information For Directory Assistance
- When your bored and just want to talk
- For your Pet
- To report a crime that occurred yesterday
- As a Prank
Do not call 911 unless you have an emergency during a Tornado Warning or Severe Thunderstorm Warning. The 911 Center experiences an extreme increase of 911 calls during tornados and severe weather and cannot help those with actual emergencies if the 911 lines are busy with non-emergency calls.
If you call 911 by mistake, do not hang up!!!! Tell the dispatcher what happened so they know there really isn't an emergency. If the dispatcher is unable to verify that no emergency exists or you do hang up a police officer will be sent to the location.
Dial 911 in case of an emergency, it could save your life! Tell the 911 dispatcher your name, telephone number you are calling from, and the address or location where the help is needed.
Do not hang up unless you are in danger! When you call 911 stay calm and describe your emergency. Give your name, address, and phone number. Speak clearly, be patient, and answer all questions (answering the questions will not delay the arrival of emergency personnel). Don't hang up until told to do so.
Call 911 when you need help if someone is hurt, you see a fire, witness a crime, or see someone suspicious hanging around your house and neighborhood (be prepared to give a description of the suspicious person).