DEAR ABBY: Your column requesting that readers donate old cell phones to victims of domestic violence will undoubtedly provide them with easier access to 9-1-1. However, of great concern to the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) is the fact that cell phones are of limited use in certain emergencies. Please share the following lifesaving information with your readers:
(1) Users must allow a few extra seconds for an answer when dialing 9-1-1.
(2) The caller must give the operator the street address or other information that will allow the center to deploy a team to the site.
(3) Emergency response centers do not have the technology to determine the caller's location or cell phone number. Therefore, the caller must describe the emergency and provide the cell phone number, in case a callback is necessary.
NENA views any effort to help victims of crime and domestic violence as a noble and worthwhile cause. Thank you, Abby, for doing your part to get the word out about the limitations of cell phones. -- W. MARK ADAMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NENA
DEAR MARK: Thank you for the warning. While cell phones can be lifesavers during certain emergencies, they have their drawbacks when compared with "land lines."