Learn

We can get you help quicker if you are prepared to properly use 911 and know what to expect when you are faced with an emergency.

Before the Emergency

Tips for Calling 9-1-1

Before the Emergency

Tips for Calling 9-1-1

Make sure your house or building number is posted conspicuously and free of obstructed view.

If posting on your house or building, make sure the numbers are large enough to view from the street. Numbers should be pained in a color contrasting to that of the house. Place numbers where they will be visible by porch or night light.

If posting on your mail box, consider using reflective numbering. If the mailbox is on the road, post on both sides so the address is visible from any approach direction.

View or download our tipsheet, "Tips for Calling 9-1-1" below.

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What to Expect

When to Call

When NOT to Call

When to Call

When NOT to Call

SCEC is the consolidated dispatch center for public safety in Sumner County...for both emergency and non-emergency calls.

In Sumner County,

if you need law enforcement, fire, or EMS to come to your location, emergency or not,

call 9-1-1.

For road/driving conditions. Instead, visit the KanDrive website.
For power outages (unless you need assistance with electronically power medical equipment with no battery backup (e.g. oxygen concentrator, heart monitor, etc). Instead, call your power company.
For instructions on seeking shelter from storms. Pre-plan your storm shelter before the disaster strikes.
For warrant inquiries.
To check to see if someone is in jail or when jail visitation hours are.
For community information (e.g. swimming pool hours, parade times, etc.

Cell Phone Preparedness

Over 80% of all calls to 9-1-1 are made from cell phones, and unfortunately, the technology used to locate cell phones has still not been perfected.

Keep abreast of your location at all times. The location of mobile callers may not appear on the dispatcher's computer or may not be accurate. Know where you are at all times so you can relay your location to dispatchers. When on a roadway, be prepared to give an intersection or cross street, highway milepost number, well-known landmark, or other descriptive information that will help locate you.
Be aware of reception problems. While coverage has increased greatly over the last decade, there may still be some areas where cell phone reception is not good. Be prepared for communications to cut in and out, be full of static, or be dropped. If you have a bad connection or lose connectivity during the call, call 9-1-1 again.
Be aware of background noises. Many cell phone calls are placed from outdoors, so be alert to noises such as wind, passing traffic, train horn, and other noises that can hamper communications. Speak clearly, calmly, and directly into the cell phone to make communications as efficient as possible.

Children & Cell Phones

Lock It Before You Pocket

Children & Cell Phones

Lock It Before You Pocket

Teach your children the appropriate use of 9-1-1 and how to call 9-1-1. It could save your life! Visit the 9-1-1 for Kids website for information and videos which can be of help.

In addition, before giving a child an old cell phone to play with as a toy, please remove the batteries. Inactive cell phones may still have the ability to dial 9-1-1, but cannot be traced, and nuisance calls to 9-1-1 may prevent someone with an actual emergency from getting help.

A large amount of accidental calls to 9-1-1 are made by those who carry an unlocked cell phone in a pocket or purse. Phantom call, or as known in the industry as "butt dials", create problems as the caller isn't aware they've dialed 9-1-1.

In order to reduce the risk of accidentally calling 9-1-1 when your phone is in your pocket or purse, lock the keypad so calls cannot be made.

Remember, lock it before you pocket!

Text-2-911

Want More Information?

Texting 9-1-1

Want More Information?

Texting 9-1-1 is now possible in Sumner County. For information and guidelines, visit our Text-2-911 page.

Want more information on 9-1-1? Would you like a Community Outreach Event for your club, organization, or business? Visit our Community Outreach page for more information or contact Deputy Director Marcie Bristor at mbristor@co.sumner.ks.us.