One of the questions we are asked most frequently by consumers who value the VoIP service is whether or not VoIP is reliable in case of emergency first.
VoIP services process 911 calls a little differently than a standard phone line. When you dial 911 from your VoIP phone call is routed through a system known as enhanced 911 or e911 which attempts to identify your physical location and, in turn, routes the call to the local emergency services in your area .
There are some simple tips that can ensure that emergency calls your VoIP line, or one of the alternatives that we describe below, can be just as reliable as the service 911 on a standard landline phone.
1) When you call 911 using a VoIP line make sure you communicate clearly your name, address and telephone number to the emergency operator. Since generally e911 routes calls to local emergency services depending on the address you used to sign up for VoIP service, you can meet potential delays if your address has changed and has not been to-date with your VoIP provider. By alerting the operator immediately of your actual location you can ensure that you will get the most immediate response available and help make incorrect assumptions about your location.
2) Research and save local numbers for different emergency services in your area. In most cases, this will be a local phone number with the same area code as your telephone number. Calling directly to your number of local emergency phone services, you can bypass the e911 system altogether and make sure that your emergency call is properly routed. We recommend this program or local emergency number directly into the speed dial your telephone handset or permanently affix to the bottom of your phone in a certain way.
3) Keep a landline for emergencies. Most fixed telephony services you can buy a stripped service package that allows you to make local calls and 911. With the prices of VoIP services is so low, most consumers will still see significant savings on comprehensive draft law fixed telephone service if they purchase a VoIP service and a basic set of fixed telephone services. The fixed phone will be drawn from the standard 911 system, so you can benefit from the savings of VoIP while leveraging traditional services of fixed emergency.
The most important one of these tips is to make sure your family and anyone else who might be in your home in case of emergency is aware of your emergency procedures. Make sure all family members, babysitters, housekeeper or other visitors know the best way to contact emergency services via your VoIP connection.
You can learn more about VoIP by reading our reviews and comparison of VoIP providers.