Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number: What you need to know for your system
In July 2020, a potentially life-saving law was signed into effect to help prevent suicides. The three-digit emergency number is 9-8-8. It’s a wonderful idea and will hopefully help many people.
However, 988 is also a prefix for many area codes including local numbers in our 530 and 707 area. How does your business acclimate?
9-8-8 vs 988
Because 988 is a prefix for several locations, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated 10-digit dialing NATIONWIDE. Ten-digit dialing starts on April 24 and will be mandatory by October 24, 2021. At that point, a call will not be completed unless the full 10-digit phone number is used. 988 goes live July 16, 2022.
What you need to do
Modify speed dials/call forwarding. Anyone using one-touch buttons, speed dial bins or programmed offsite forwarding will need to adjust to include the full 10-digit number.
Modify ARS. Sites with PRI or SIP Trunk programs will need to be adjusted.
Modify existing phone systems. Many phone systems have been programmed to send seven-digit local numbers, dropping the area code. Now the area code is needed.
Test with your Carrier. Some carriers will also need the +1 added. We have seen this in Sacramento, California, where 10-digit dialing has already been activated.
Expand your emergency numbers list. Gaynor Telesystems recommends that your company considers adding 9-8-8 to the list of emergency numbers that automatically trigger notifications to the authorities. In fact, Mitel is planning on adding this number to the default database.
Gaynor Telesystems is available to help with whatever support you may need.
Please contact us for additional information.
For more information, review these resources: