Dialing 911 on Your Multiline Phone System
Congress enacted Kari’s Law in 2018, which affects emergency dialing on multiline phone systems. Effective February 16, 2020, all multiline phone systems in the U.S. manufactured, imported, offered for first sale or lease, or installed must include direct 911 dialing and notification capabilities.
Additionally, effective at the same time as Kari’s Law, RAY BAUM’S Act enables “dispatchable locations” from multiline phone systems. In addition to the street address, dispatchable locations provide emergency responders with more direct location information when someone places a 911 call. For example, the conference room, dorm, or apartment number where the call originated from.
In this blog, we’ll answer your questions about Kari’s Law, RAY BAUM’S Act, and multiline phone systems, including:
- What is Kari’s Law?
- What is RAY BAUM’s Act?
- What do organizations with multiline phone systems need to know and do?
Kari’s Law
Note: If you’re unsure whether your phone system is compliant or not, do not attempt to test dial 911! Contact your phone system provider.
Kari’s Law requires direct 911 dialing and notification capabilities in multiline phone systems. Basically, if you have a phone where you need to press a number before dialing out, your phone system could be affected. Under Kari’s Law, anyone who picks up a phone anywhere in your organization’s phone system should be able to dial 911 and receive help from emergency services.
Not 9 + 911 or 8 + 911, just 911.
Enacted in 2018, Kari’s Law became effective on February 16, 2020. However, older phone systems installed before the effective date have been grandfathered in. Meaning, if you have a 20-year-old phone system that requires pressing a key before making an outside call to 911, your phone system is technically compliant. However, you should consider the safety and speedy access to emergency services when needed within your organization.
Notification requirements
Additionally, Kari’s Law includes notification requirements for when someone dials 911 on a multiline telephone system. When someone dials 911, a visual notification needs to appear where someone is likely to see it. For example, on-site at a security desk screen or off-site on a cell phone or system administrator’s screen.
Notifications must include the following:
- Information that a 911 call was placed on the system
- Valid callback number
- Information about the caller’s location
RAY BAUM’S Act
RAY BAUM’s Act requires that a “dispatchable location” is conveyed with 911 calls to dispatch centers.
According to the FCC, a dispatchable location is “a location delivered to the public safety answering point (PSAP) with a 911 call that consists of the validated street address of the calling party, plus additional information such as suite, apartment, or similar information necessary to adequately identify the location of the calling party.”
With this specific dispatchable location information, emergency responders can assist more quickly and accurately. Like Kari’s Law, RAY BAUM’s Act is effective February 16, 2020. Older phone systems are also grandfathered in. However, in some cases, dispatchable location information could be the difference between life and death.
Contact us to learn more about phone systems with dispatchable location information.
What Do Organizations With Multiline Phone Systems Need to Know and Do?
- Phone system implemented before February 16, 2020, with direct 911 dialing. Most likely, your phone system is compliant. Contact your phone system provider for additional details about dispatchable location settings.
- Phone system implemented before February 16, 2020, without direct 911 dialing. Technically, your phone system is compliant since Kari’s Law is forward-thinking; however, consider the safety of your organization and the ability to receive emergency help when you need it.
- Phone systems implemented after February 16, 2020. Under Kari’s Law and RAY BAUM’s act, your phone system should be compliant. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your phone system provider.
- Planning on purchasing a new phone system? According to the FCC, “Multiline phone system manufacturers and vendors must pre-configure these systems to support direct dialing of 911—that is, to enable the user to dial 911 without having to dial any prefix or access code, such as the number 9. In addition, MLTS installers, managers, and operators must ensure that the systems support 911 direct dialing.” Do your research and be certain you’re working with a phone system provider that can meet Kari’s Law and RAY BAUM’s Act requirements. High Touch can help.
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High Touch Technologies has over 35 years of experience providing technology solutions to small and medium-sized businesses, including phone systems. If you’d like to learn more about the phone systems solutions available for your business, contact us.