Cell Phone Sally

In October 2002, the Commission on State Emergency Communication’s (CSEC) Public Education program held a contest to name the newest 9-1-1 character. Having had children participate in the creation of Red E. Fox, Texas schoolchildren were again involved in naming a new cell phone character. The contest was very successful and generated over 1,300 entries from children in pre-k through fifth grade. Once all entries were collected, a group of judges decided on the winning name, which needed to be easy to remember and represent the character clearly. On December 20, 2002, the judges named the new character Cell Phone Sally.  

Cell Phone Sally is the newest member of the 9-1-1 family! She has been helpful in communicating issues regarding wireless phones and 9-1-1 to children ages 4 to 7.  Children are taught that learning the procedure for making wireless 9-1-1 calls could save a life, including their own! When making a 9-1-1 call on a wireless phone, everyone should follow the advice of Cell Phone Sally:

• If you’re in a vehicle, pull over and stop.
• Dial 9-1-1 and immediately tell the call taker that you are calling from a wireless phone.
• Give your location first, then your name and cell phone number.
• Describe the nature of the emergency.
• Give a description of the individual or vehicle involved (if you are able to do so without putting yourself or others at risk).
• If you get disconnected, dial 9-1-1 again.
• Stay on the line until the call taker tells you to hang up.

The number of accidental cell phone calls to 9-1-1 has increased due to wireless phone users not utilizing the “key guard” functions on their phone. Always have your phone programmed in the “locked” or “key guard” position when the phone is on, but not in use. This will prevent your phone from accidentally dialing 9-1-1.

Wireless phone users have a responsibility to understand the differences between dialing 9-1-1 on a wireless phone and dialing 9-1-1 on a wire line (landline) phone. Wireless phone calls are different from those calls made from a business or home because 9-1-1 operators can’t automatically identify your location.

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