Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the questions we frequently hear from people. Click on the question for the answer

Fire Truck

Dover Fire Rescue Truck and Engine

Why do the dispatchers ask so many questions when I dial 9-1-1?
Calltakers need to gather information for the safety of the officers, firefighters, medical personnel and you. The 9-1-1 operator you are talking to has already sent your call to a dispatcher but oftentimes he/she has to keep you on the line to gather more information, which is important to the call.
How many phone lines are there in the 9-1-1 center?
There are fifteen incoming 9-1-1 lines. In addition, the number of administrative, direct fire lines and other phone lines brings the number to nearly fifty. That's a lot of phones to answer.
How can I become a Communications Specialist?
If you are at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, have no criminal record, can pass the SCECC typing test and are willing to work a variety of shifts with rotating days off, you could become a dispatcher. Visit the Shawnee County Department of Human Resources for a job application. We stress again, this is shift work with rotating days off.
Why does it take 9-1-1 so long to answer?
In actuality, we average less than five seconds in answering your 9-1-1 call. Sometimes, if a major incident occurs, many people dial 9-1-1 at the same time and it slows down our ability to answer each call. Your call is important to us and we will answer as quickly as we possibly can.
What happens if my 9-1-1 service goes out?
It's not likely that 9-1-1 service would go out. Should that ever happen, you can reach the center at 785.251.2200, or by dialing the Operator. Should your phone service be out completely, it's a good idea to know where your closest fire station is located. You can always go there for assistance. Every fire station in the county maintains radio contact with CECC.
I toured the 9-1-1 center. Why is it so dark in there?
We have learned that a room full of fluorescent lighting isn't good, especially when you have to spend the day looking at computer monitors--and each dispatch position has at least three--so we have opted for "task lighting". Track lights allow each dispatcher to set the lighting level to what suits him or her best.
Do you sound the tornado sirens at 9-1-1?
The weekly Monday noon test of the tornado siren system is usually sounded from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Actual tornado warning sirens can be sounded from SCECC. When severe weather is near, the EOC is staffed at the courthouse and the sirens can also be sounded from there.
What should I do when the tornado sirens sound?
First of all, don't dial 9-1-1 to ask questions about the weather or why the sirens are sounding. That only ties up emergency lines for people who may be in need. Only call if you have severe weather to report or another emergency. When the sirens sound it is not the time to develop a tornado safety plan for you or your family. Instead, take the time to visit the National Weather Service or other weather provider to learn about severe weather awareness.
How many 9-1-1 dispatchers are there?
Currently, there are about 20 dispatchers who work three shifts. We staff first and third shift with at least six dispatchers and shift two has at least seven. During events such as Halloween, July 4 and New Year's Eve, when we can expect an increased call load, we will bolster our staffing accordingly.
Why do you talk in "codes" and "signals"?
The use of 10 signals and codes has nothing to do with secrecy, as many people think. Instead, it is a means of communicating to avoid confusion and to be brief--for example, it's a lot easier to say "10-47" than "automobile accident without injuries." By the way, we don't supply the general public with lists of our codes and signals but many retailers who sell scanners and other radio and electronics equipment do. Check with them.