Cell phones used for more 911 emergency calls years ago
Michele Abbott-Becker, director of communications and emergency management for Marion County, presented statistics Monday for county emergency calls. The report was made at the Marion County Commission meeting.
The report reflected the statistics for 2001, 2002, 2003, and January through March 12, 2004.
Even though the total number of incoming calls are fewer in 2003 than the two previous years, there is a noticeable increase of 911 calls by cell phones.
In 2001, incoming calls totaled 31,014. In 2002, incoming calls totaled 33,615, and in 2003, 29,160 total incoming calls were noted.
Of those calls, the number of emergency (911) calls were 2,983 in 2001, 2,722 in 2002, and 6,390 in 2003.
Of the 6,390 total 911 calls, 5,116 were from cell phones.
In June of 2002, the department began keeping track of emergency calls made on cell phones. For the months of June through December, 2002, 52.35 percent of the total calls made for emergencies came from cell phones.
In 2003, 80.06 percent of all calls were made from cell phones.
So far in 2004, 65.13 percent of emergency calls were made from cellular phones.
The current communication system does not track cell phone numbers for call back by dispatch personnel should the call be disconnected.
Abbott-Becker said the county has pre-qualified for a grant to assist with the wireless upgrade. She submitted a request for $86,000. If the grant is approved, the entire amount or 75 percent of the grant may be received.
State grant money also is available for planning and plan improvement, said Abbott-Becker. She stated two county plans need to be completed. A grant application has been submitted with no matching requirements from the county.
Abbott-Becker also reported:
— Recommended commission adopt a resolution supporting the federal and state law regarding the person responsible for hazardous spills on county roads be responsible for paying for the clean-up
On March 5 a semi-truck jack-knifed. State hazardous waste removal crews were called to clean up the diesel spill.
A sample resolution was given to the commission and will be considered at next week's commission meeting.
— Mutual aid agreements with surrounding counties could not be located. According to the county's emergency operation plan, there are agreements in place but the state does not have a record of the documents.
The agreements will be considered at next week's commission meeting.
