In uncertain times, it is crucial to protect your employees during the event of an emergency. The U.S. Federal Laws have considered an effective emergency response system a matter of life and death, ultimately changing how businesses protect employees. New regulations for 9-1-1 compliance ensure that companies now keep people safe when working internally or remotely.
In August 2019, the Commission adopted rules to implement two laws enacted to strengthen emergency calling and response. First, the Commission took action to implement Kari’s Law, which requires multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) to enable users to dial 911 directly, without having to dial a prefix (such as a “9”) to reach an outside line. This component also includes Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems. In addition, Kari’s Law requires all MLTS and PBX systems to notify front desk personnel or security officers when an emergency call is made in order to initiate building entry for first responders.
Second, under Section 506 of RAY BAUM’S Act, the Commission adopted rules to ensure that dispatchable location information is transmitted with all 911 calls. This mandate includes street address, suite, apartment, or other information to be validated for a quicker and accurate location when identifying the calling party. The new rules apply improved location requirements to PBX/MLTS, as well as to fixed telephony, interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS), and mobile texting services).
When assessing your 911 architecture, make sure your business is compliant with federal E911 legislation, including Kari’s Law and the Ray Baum’s Act that have already imposed deadlines. This process may require enhancing your current E911 solutions and partnering with Convergent toward further E911 compliance. Planning and implementing these projects now not only bring compliance with current E911 legislation, but also better prepares your company for any future NG911 regulations.
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