Work Progressing on New Next Gen Phone System for 911

Work is moving ahead on a new 911 phone system for Effingham County.

The County 911 Board Tuesday learned that the contract for the system was received Monday. 911 Board Chairman Julie Stephens was to sign the contract and it will then be returned to the vendor.

911 System Administrator Jodi Moomaw said that once they receive the invoice for the system, it can be submitted to the State to receive grant funds available for such systems. Effingham County is one of four entities seeking some of the grant funds. Moomaw said the system does not have to be in place to receive the funds.

The system employs Next Generation technology. Among other things, that means that citizens contacting 911 can use other methods in addition to phoning to report emergencies.

The 911 Board agreed to a request from the Unit 40 school district allowing the district the ability to report emergencies. Assistant Superintendent Jason Fox said the school district would cover any fees for the phone they use, which the district already owns. A separate talk group would be established at each 911 dispatch point to receive calls. It was understood that Unit 40 would only use the system in cases of major emergencies such as a natural disaster or an intruder in a building.