Message To Play During Peak 911 Calls

Tue., Feb. 29, 2000

From Staff Reports

People calling 911 during highvolume periods may receive a recorded message under changes made to the system Feb. 25, according to the Spokane Sheriff’s Office.

In the past, callers attempting to contact 911 during a high visibility emergency - such as a fire witnessed by many people - would get a continuous ring if all the operators were busy.

After an untold number of rings, callers would hang up and try again, not knowing that they had actually reached 911 and that the operators were already on the line and busy.

The new message states: “You have reached Spokane 911. If you can do so safely, stay on the line. Your call will be answered in order.”

After the message, callers will again hear the phone ringing and should remain on the line. Operators will continue to hear the phone ring while the message is played.

Callers who hang up and redial 911 will go to the back of the line to wait for an operator.

All callers should remain on the line if they can do so safely.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.