how does one call 911 with an out-of-area cell phone?

grasswire

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Fri Nov-23-07 07:06 PM
Original message

how does one call 911 with an out-of-area cell phone?

Just curious.

Supposing the area code on your cell phone is XXX but you are in area code LLL and you need to call 911 because someone has collapsed on the sidewalk.

How does that work?

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The Velveteen Ocelot

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Fri Nov-23-07 07:09 PM
Response to Original message

1. I think 911 automatically works anywhere from any cell phone.

In my area it automatically connects you to the state highway patrol.

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KitchenWitch

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Fri Nov-23-07 07:15 PM
Response to Original message

2. It connects you to the nearest agency to where your phone is physically located.

For example, my cell phone has a Minnesota area code, even though I live in California now. I kept the area code so my friends and family from Minnesota can call me without incurring long distance charges.

I recently was on the freeway here, during the wildfires, and noticed that a truck was dragging a chain. The chain was sparking something fierce, so I called 911 and I was connected to the California Highway Patrol.

I think most of the newer phones actually have a GPS chip in them.

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datasuspect

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Fri Nov-23-07 07:18 PM
Response to Original message

3. a cell phone can dial 911 even if it has no carrier

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grasswire

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Fri Nov-23-07 07:50 PM
Response to Original message

4. thanks, everyone!

That's reassuring. I appreciate the input.

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pokerfan

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Fri Nov-23-07 08:35 PM
Response to Reply #4

5. And even an unregistered phone can make a 911 call

Edited on Fri Nov-23-07 08:35 PM by pokerfan

the liability would be just too great for them to do anything otherwise.

I have an old Samsung with a cigarette lighter adapter that I keep in emergency kit in the car.

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