| QUESTION | ANSWER |
| Why do you ask so many questions? |
METCAD Telecommunicators follow a specific line of questioning to assist with rapid identification of the situation and collection of facts. This line of questioning has been established by the public safety agencies served by METCAD as well as the medical director for Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocols. Telecommunicators do not ask these questions because they are nosy. Their primary concern is to obtain as much information as is possible to expedite the emergency response by the public safety agency. In most cases, the Telecommunicator you are speaking with is not responsible for dispatching the first responders and can continue to obtain vital information from you even while your call is being dispatched. |
| Why wasn't my call dispatched immediately? |
METCAD Telecommunicators assign a priority level to each incoming call for service based upon the information collected during the telephone call. A call of an accident, for instance, where the cars are all out of traffic might be assigned a priority level of 3, which is "next available beat car". But, an accident with injuries would be assigned a priority level of 1, which indicates it is an emergency and a unit would be dispatched even if they may have to be called off of a lower priority call. If it appears that any call for service must be held, for whatever reason, the shift commander for the appropriate agency is notified of the situation. |
| Do I have to leave my name? |
Callers are only required to leave their name in certain situations. When a caller requests to remain anonymous, METCAD will respect this request. METCAD will never refuse to send help to an anonymous call unless directed to do so by the responsible public safety agency. METCAD will never disclose the identity of a caller to anyone but authorized public safety officials. |
| How is METCAD funded? |
METCAD is funded by contributions from member public safety agencies as well as a $1.50 per month surcharge on each landline telephone line in Champaign County. In addition, METCAD receives a portion of the .75 cent per month surcharge on wireless phones with billing addresses in Champaign County. |
| Can I tour the 9-1-1 Center? |
As a general rule, the 9-1-1 center is closed to the public for security reasons. However, we can grant some requests. If you or your group have a specific request for a tour, please contact our offices at 217/333-4348. |
| Does METCAD provide speakers for neighborhood watch and other groups? |
YES! METCAD has an active speakers bureau which attend numerous neighborhood watch and other civic group functions each year. If you would like to arrange for a speaker for your group, please telephone us at 217/333-4348. |
| What do I do when my power goes out? |
DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 TO ASK WHY YOUR POWER IS OUT OR WHEN IT WILL BE RESTORED!
METCAD Telecommunicators do not have access to any official information regarding power outages. Please contact your power company for outage information.
Power companies operating in Champaign County:
| |
Residential
|
Business
|
|
|
AmerenCILCO
|
888.672.5252
|
877.677.5740
|
|
|
Fax Number
|
309.677.5025
|
877.263.7369
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
AmerenCIPS
|
888.789.2477
|
800.232.2477
|
|
|
Fax Number
|
877.226.3736
|
877.263.7369
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
AmerenIP
|
800.755.5000
|
800.363.6805
|
|
|
Fax Number
|
217.424.8345
|
217.424.8345
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Eastern Illini Electric
|
800.824.5102
|
800.824.5102
|
|
|
Fax Number
|
217.379.2936
|
217.379.2936
|
|
| Where can I call for road conditions? |
DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 TO ASK FOR ROAD CONDITIONS!
Road conditions and weather information are available through the following outlets:
Road Condition Hotline - 800/452-4368
- Illinois State Police District 10:
217/265-0050 (Option 2)
Champaign Forecast
Mobile Version - Champaign Forecast
For more information on winter storm preparedness, please contact the Champaign County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) at 217/384-3826.
|
| What should I do if I accidentally dial 9-1-1? |
Simply stay on the phone and explain to the 9-1-1 Operator that you dialed in error. If you hang up, the 9-1-1 Operator may have to dispatch police officers to your location. Staying on the line to let us know that your call was accidental will save time and keep the police officers available for emergencies. |
FAQs
