The Ottawa County 9-1-1 Communications Center is able to communicate to the hearing/speech impaired by using a TTY/TDD interface.
If a caller uses a TTY/TDD, the caller should:
- Stay calm, place the phone receiver in the TTY, dial 911.
- After the call is answered, press the TTY keys several times. This may help shorten the time necessary to respond to the call.
- Give the dispatcher a moment to respond. If necessary, press the TTY keys again. The dispatcher should answer and type “GA” for Go Ahead.
- Tell what is needed; police, fire department, or ambulance. Give your name, address and phone number where help is needed.
- Stay on the telephone if it is safe to do so. Answer the dispatcher’s questions.
- If a deaf or hearing/speech impaired caller doesn’t have a TTY/TDD, the caller should call 911 and don’t hang up. Not hanging up leaves the line open. The caller’s address is displayed on the dispatcher’s screen and help will be sent.
