New 9-1-1 Cell Phone Character to the Rescue

Cell Phone Sally has been unveiled by the Texas Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) as the newest character in its 9-1-1 public education campaign. The cellular phone character will be used to inform citizens of the limitations of cellular phones when making a 9-1-1 call.

Cell Phone Sally will become part of CSEC's statewide campaign to educate the public and children in particular about 9-1-1. Her message encourages people to verify their cellular phone number, as well as to identify landmarks when making a cellular 9-1-1 call, in order to ensure that emergency response arrives at the correct location.

"Many people do not realize that 9-1-1 centers do not have the technical capability of knowing the location of a cellular phone emergency call," according to CSEC executive director Paul Mallett, "Identifying the location of a caller is absolutely necessary to dispatch help in an emergency situation."

Cellular "wireless" phones currently do not transmit address information to a 9-1-1 call center as do landline telephones. The 9-1-1 caller needs to be aware of the difference between the level of information transmitted with a cellular call versus a wireline call. Cell Phone Sally will be used to educate the public about this important distinction.

A contest was held for the selection of the cellular phone character's name. More than 1300 entries were received. Two elementary school boys each submitted "Cell Phone Sally". Both boys have received formal recognition from CSEC for their contribution to 9-1-1 public education.

Currently Red E. Fox, the 9-1-1 national mascot, helps educate children on the basics of 9-1-1 such as: when to make a 9-1-1 call, how to make a 9-1-1 call, and how to respond to a 9-1-1 call-taker. Cell Phone Sally will now join Red E. Fox to promote public safety for the citizens of Texas."

Posted to the site on 11th April 2003