One of the first phone numbers that children are taught is easily one of the most important numbers to know.
9-1-1.
Those three digits are synonymous with assisting the public and Polk County’s E-911 Communications department has been integral in so many lives over the years.
Did you know that in 1990, Congress designated the second full week of April each year as a time to remember the critical role Dispatchers are tasked with in keeping our communities and citizens safe. The Polk County Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation about Telecommunicators.
In the past year, the department has accomplished several important goals, including adding two positions to assist with call volume during peak times and updating employees’ training and certification process (it is now mandatory that all employees meet certain standards).
There are many reasons to call 9-1-1. An important note, if you are ever in doubt if the situation is a true emergency, call 9-1-1 and let the Telecommunicator determine the assistance that you need.
Here are some of the reasons for calling:
· Reporting A Crime
· Reporting A Fire
· Reporting a Traffic Accident
· Any Life-Threatening Incident
· Request for Medical Attention
· Hazardous Chemical Spill
· Smoke Detector or Carbon Monoxide Detector Activation
· Suspicious Condition, Vehicle or Person
· Any Other Type of Danger or Emergency
Here’s some important information about our local E-911 Communications department.
Mission Statement: The Polk County E-911 Communications Center seeks to provide the most effective emergency communications possible. The goal of Polk County Communications is to provide rapid, convenient, and professional access to all branches of public safety for the citizens of this County and those passing through.
Departmental Goals
· To provide prompt and reliable emergency communications with all Emergency Departments, which include, all Law Enforcement Agencies, Fire/ EMS/Rescue Services.
· To provide prompt and courteous service to the public for both emergencies and non-emergency situations.
· To provide educational information to the public and in schools for the proper use of the E-911 System.
· To be proactive in preparation and response to emergency calls for service.
E-911 Communication Director: Jeremy Gregg, jgregg@polknc.org
Location Information: 20 East Mills Street in Columbus
Operating hours: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Non-Emergency Phone Number: (828) 894-0187
