Smart phone users in West Tennessee got emergency alerts today with a new phone number to replace 911 when dialing from a cell phone.
The numbers were issued by the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency in response to a disruption of routing for cell phone calls to 911 centers. Water from last week’s flooding caused damage to some 911 equipment, causing some calls to be re-rerouted to other counties.
Until the disruption is resolved, West Tennesseans are urged to dial these alternate numbers on cell phones instead of 911, or they may dial 911 from a land line.
The new number for Shelby County is (901) 543-6333.
“Local 911 center directors requested the state alert the public to the disruption and provide alternate numbers to contact emergency services,” said Curtis Sutton, executive director of the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board. “The 911 centers are still functioning, but we need the public to use the alternative numbers to ensure help is received as quickly as possible until this disruption is resolved.”
Numbers for other West Tennessee counties are as follows:
* Benton (731) 279-4280
* Chester (731) 989-2787
* Crockett (731) 696-2104
* Decatur (731) 852-3911
* Dyer (731) 285-4019
* Fayette (901) 465-3456
* Gibson (731) 562-8176
* Hardeman (731) 658-5101
* Hardin (731) 925-9007
* Haywood (731) 772-1215
* Henderson (731) 425-6202
* Henry (731) 642-2424
* Madison (731) 424-9677
* McNairy (731) 645-3406
* Obion (731) 885-3316
* Weakley (731) 364-5454
