In many locations around Missouri, a 9-1-1 call for help from a cell phone will not always get you the help you are expecting. Many agencies do not have the 9-1-1 technology to locate your cell phone in an emergency. What’s more, much of the state does not have the basic technology to locate a landline phone due to lacking necessary funding streams. Both technologies are already available and are being used to cover entire states, such as neighboring states Kansas, Iowa, Kentucky and Tennessee.
Missouri State Representative Jeanie Lauer of Blue Springs, who sponsored H.B. 635 in 2013, has scheduled a series of seven meetings around the state in preparation for the 2014 legislative effort to pass Comprehensive 9-1-1 Legislation. The meetings are intended to be conversations between 9-1-1 service experts, police, fire and emergency medical services leaders, and local elected officials to review the 2014 proposed legislation and contribute ideas.
The draft legislation creates a local option of adding a fee to cell phones, as is now the case with landline phones. The use of landlines — which are often the sole financial support for local 9-1-1 services — has dropped considerably in the last few years, resulting in less funding. Many counties in Missouri have not been able to find another method to fund this lifesaving service. The proposed legislation would also establish a grant program to assist some of the hard-to-serve areas of Missouri.
Many public safety agencies around the nation are adopting new technology to receive text and video messages for help at 9-1-1 centers. This technology is a potential favorite of younger residents, and is also a benefit for many who are disabled. However, few local 9-1-1 agencies in Missouri have identified the funding to implement this new technology.
Local public safety officials, elected officials as well as the general public are welcome at meetings. Please refer to the schedule below for the meeting closest to you.
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 7 p.m.: Osceola, Mo., held at Sac-Osage Hospital.
Thursday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m.: Bethany, Mo., held at NTA Ambulance District HQ, 1000 South 25th Street.
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m.: Lebanon, Mo., held at Mercy Hospital.
Thursday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m.: Edina, Mo., held at the Knox County Community Center.
Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m.: Winona, Mo., held at the Shannon County Ambulance District, 1012 N Hwy 19.
Wednesday, Jan. 29, 6 p.m.: Greenville, Mo., held at Greenville City Hall, 108 Walnut.
Thursday, Jan. 30, 6 p.m.: New Madrid, Mo., held at New Madrid County Central High School, 310 US Highway 61.
For further information Contact Lisa Schlottach, President of the Missouri 9-1-1 Directors Association, 573-821-3133
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