 |
 |
Malfunctioning system has Bracken County 911 dispatchers worried
Tuesday, November 14, 2006 10:40 PM EST
"It started last week and we immediately informed Windstream of the problem, but it is still happening," said Mains.
Reports of automatic number identification failures, ringing into the reporting system that is part of the 911 system in Bracken County have been a cause of worry for dispatchers.
"Saturday, the ANI went off 36 times, Sunday 16 and already there have been four this morning (Tuesday). They (Windstream) said at first it was a problem with something in the Morehead area, now they say it is part of the surrounding county lines causing the problem," said Mains.
Whatever it is, it has Mains and his dispatchers on the edge of their seats wondering if all emergency calls are getting through to the center. As a precaution, Mains wants the public to know callers should let a 911 call ring at least five rings. If no human answers, callers can dial the non-emergency number at 735-2700 and identify the call as an emergency. That phone is also answered by the same dispatchers.
"It is nerve-racking," said Mains. "We don't want to miss a call and the phone company says they are getting close to solving the problem, but to be sure folks need to know there is another number they can call for help."
Windstream Communications representative Linda Kenyon, located in Twinsburg, Ohio has been very helpful in keeping him in contact with the people who are working on the problem, said Mains.
"I call and she gets me to who I need," said Mains.
According to Windstream Communications spokeswoman Erin Ascione, the problem has been intermittent, making the source difficult to pinpoint.
"A vast majority of the 911 calls are getting through. Circuits that provide service to Bracken County are compromised and we have our best people working on it. What I do understand is that the 10 digit service number does work, if the 911 number does not." said Ascione. "We take any outage seriously, and of course a emergency number outage is serious."
As Mains spoke, several Windstream utility trucks passed by the dispatch office in Brooksville.
"Maybe they will get it done today," said Mains.
Until then, he will keep testing the system himself. Mains quickly pressed 911 on the buttons on another phone and a siren sounded indicating a 911 call.
"So far so good," said Mains.
For more area news, go to www.bracken-online.com
Contact Wendy Mitchell at wendy.mitchell@lee.net or call 564-9091, ext. 276.
Copyright © 2008 Maysville Newspapers, Inc., A Lee Enterprises Publication This site is protected by applicable copyright laws and no part may be reproduced, transmitted or used in any way other than its intended purpose without the prior written permission of The Ledger Independent. Click here to view The Ledger Independent's privacy policy. Click here to view current print advertisements. |