| 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.
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. |
| 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 telephone line in the 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. If you or your group have a
specific request for a tour, please contact our offices at 217/333-4348. |
| Can I sit in with a 9-1-1 Operator? |
Due to confidentiality concerns, citizens are not
allowed to sit in and observe a 9-1-1 Operator during the performance of
their duties. |
| 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. See
our Public Education section for more details. |
| 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:
- Illinois Department of Transportation:
Road Condition Hotline - 800/452-4368
Web site - http://www.dot.il.gov/wrc/report.asp
- Illinois State Police District 10:
217/265-0050 (Option 2)
- National Weather Service - Lincoln, IL
Web site - http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ilx/
For more information on winter storm preparedness, please contact the Champaign County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency
(ESDA) 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. |
