Mapping
Mapping
MCCD recognizes the fact that mapping is of extreme importance to providing emergency response.
The MCCD implemented and currently maintains, a fully digital mapping database & Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
It is important that the responding emergency service is able to find your location. (see below)
Also located in the facility are the Communications Divisions and dispatch operators for the Mobile Police Department, Mobile Fire Rescue Department, Mobile County Emergency Medical Services and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.
- Mobile County EMS – Emergency Service Zones
- Mobile County Sheriff’s Department – Emergency Service Zones
- Mobile Police Department – Emergency Service Zones
- Mobile County Volunteer Fire Department – Emergency Service Zones
- Mobile County Jurisdiction
- Mobile Fire and Rescue Department – Emergency Service Zones
Capabilities
With the advancement of Enhanced 9-1-1 technologies and telephone services, the MCCD CAD system, capable of the following:
- Automatic Location Verification based on the Automatic Number Identification (ANI), Automatic Location Identification (ALI), and Emergency Service Zone/Number (ESZ/N) of incoming calls.
- The ESZ/N is a core element in the Enhanced 9-1-1 system. The ESZ/N is automatically provided by the telephone company based on the caller’s location and saves valuable time by providing information as to which agency to dispatch for a particular call.
- Automatic Location Verification pinpoints and verifies the location from which the call originates and instantly provides the call taker with accurate visual and address location information.
- Recommending appropriate emergency response units based on the location of the unit from the location of the reported emergency. The location of the unit is determined by the unit’s Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) hardware which sends the unit’s x/y coordinates through its Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) at regular intervals.
- Real time Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) tracking displays all of the units equipped with AVL on the dispatcher’s map.
MCCD makes the appropriate changes to the map and mapping database as changes are received. These changes may be due to re-zoning, new street additions, neighborhoods, etc…
Important Address Information
In any emergency, time is of the essence. Following are important tips to better aid emergency responder in locating your place of residence or business:
- Verify your address with your telephone service provider. Make sure they are aware of any address changes and that your current address matches your telephone number.
- Numbers on driveway markers should be at least 3″ in height, reflective, and on a contrasting background.
- The markers should be placed at the entrance of your driveway and should be clearly visible from the roadway (not obstructed by weeds, etc.).
- Numbers should be visible from both directions on the roadway.
- Numbers should also be physically displayed on your home/business, especially when sharing a common driveway with other structures.
- If your residence is 100 ft or more from road, the address number should be at entrance of driveway, visible from both sides. The address number should not be facing the road. The sign should be placed perpendicular to the road, so the number can be seen when traveling from either direction.
Tips for VoIP Subscribers
If you have or are thinking of subscribing to an interconnected VoIP service, you should:
- Provide your accurate physical address to your interconnected VoIP service provider to ensure that emergency services can quickly be dispatched to your location.
- Be familiar with your VoIP service provider’s procedures for updating your address, and promptly update address information in the event of a change.
- Have a clear understanding of any limitations of your 9-1-1 service.
- Inform children, babysitters, and visitors about your VoIP service and its 9-1-1 limitations, if any.
- If your power is out or your Internet connection is down, be aware that your VoIP service may not work. Consider installing a backup power supply, maintaining a traditional phone line, or having a wireless phone as a backup.
- If you have questions about whether the phone service you are receiving is an interconnected VoIP service, contact your service provider for further information.