VRSCA

Helpful Tips

Do You Know About FCC’s Lifeline and Link Up Telephone Discount?

Are you struggling to pay for your phone bills? Do you need a phone line, but cannot afford it?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a program called “Lifeline Across America” that provides discounts to low-income consumers for telephone installation and monthly bills. “Lifeline Assistance” will help qualified customers who already have telephone service save a significant amount of money on their monthly phone bills, while “Link-Up” helps eligible customers receive a generous discount on the installation of telephone service in their homes.

In order to find out whether you are eligible for Lifeline and Link-Up, visit www.lifeline.gov.

FCC Offers New Consumer Help Center

Visit www.fcc.gov/consumers to:

• Read about consumer issues
• Get practical advice for avoiding problems
• File a complaint Comment on the FCC’s rulemaking
• Read what FCC experts are saying on their consumer blogs

E911

The E911 system helps emergency personnel locate you during an emergency because your address is stored in the E911 system. This way, when you dial 911 the emergency dispatcher automatically knows where you are calling from. That information is automatically forwarded to the police, fire station, and/or ambulance crew so they can immediately help you with your emergency.

Keep your address current with your VRS provider, so in the event of an emergency your correct address is on file. Keep your address current with your VRS provider so, in the event of an emergency, your correct address is on file. You will need to stay on the line with your VRS interpreter so you can answer any questions from the 911 dispatcher.

For information on 911, go to the National Emergency Number Association (NENA): http://www.nena.org/ (click on "Video Relay/IP Relay & 911").

911 Do’s and Don’ts

Do call 911 to report a dangerous situation or if someone is hurt or injured.

Do call 911 if there is a car accident.

Do call 911 if someone is hurt, stops breathing, collapses, or passes out.

Do call 911 if there is a fire.

Do call 911 if someone is breaking into a house or hurting someone physically.

Do teach your children how to use 911 wisely in case of an emergency.

Don’t call 911 as a joke or make false calls. It is a violation of the law that is punishable by a fine or imprisonment.

Don’t call 911 to ask when power will be restored during a power outage, what road conditions are, or whether schools are open.

Questions You Will Need to Answer
The 911 emergency dispatcher may ask you the following questions:

• Where is the emergency?
• What is the nature of the emergency?
• What is your name?
• Who needs help?
• Who is with you?
• Are you safe where you are?

Stay On The Phone

If you call 911 in an emergency, be sure to stay on the phone. Do not hang up until the 911 operator tells you it is okay to do so. That way, you can be sure that the operator has all the information to get help to you fast.