E911 OFFICE  DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

MISSION

The mission of the E-911 Address and Information Department is to provide citizens with the most up-to-date, integrated public safety system on the market. Our office coordinates with all three Public Service Answering Points (PSAP) in maintaining the best possible data to assure the proper handling of all 911 calls received from landline phones, wireless phones and VoIP phones. This is accomplished by providing, maintaining and updating all of the numerous databases and providing the most current 911 equipment to our emergency personnel. This will provide for a safe and enjoyable community for county residents.

EMERGENCIES

DIAL 9-1-1

PERSONNEL

E-911 Coordinator: Richard Crowe
Phone: (864) 898-5961

CAD/Analyst: Megan Burgess
Phone: (864) 898-5958

E-911 Technical Specialist: Matthew O'Donnell
Phone: (864) 898-5356
 

PUBLIC EDUCATION

The Pickens County E-911 Office has an age-specific program available to the 2nd grade students of Pickens County School District, Boy/Girl Scouts, Daycare Programs, or any child related programs. The program is presented by a representative of our department at no cost to the organization.

The objectives of our program are:

• To introduce students to 911
• To stress the importance of knowing their address and phone number
• How to interact with 911 personnel
• How to recognize an emergency
• How to summon help

The program is interactive, fun, exciting, and gives valuable information the child can apply to everyday life.

Second Grade 9-1-1 Lesson – “911 How It’s Done”

Lesson Plan: The representative of the E-911 Office will read an interactive book. Afterwards, the students will practice calling 911 on a simulator. This will reinforce the importance of knowing how to dial 911, knowing their address and phone number. Students will learn when to dial 911, what information to give the 911 dispatcher, how to recognize dangerous situations, and how to act in an emergency.

Time needed: 25 to 30 Minutes

Preparation: Students should be seated on a rug in the reading area. Each student should have his/her name, address, and phone number on an index card to use during the activity. If this is not an option, the teacher can supply the necessary information for the student.

To schedule a presentation or if you have any questions about our program, contact Tasha Todd.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:

Q: Who assigns address and street names in Pickens County?

A: Planning

Q: What constitutes naming a private drive?

A: There must be three (3) separate dwellings down the same driveway. To name a driveway please contact Planning at 864-898-5960.

Q: How do you properly display you house number?

A: If you own property in Pickens County you are required by state law to properly display the
correct house number that has been assigned by the Pickens County E911 Office. All
structures that can be used for residential or business purposes have previously been
assigned a number. State law specifies that numbers must be posted on the home or building
and be clearly visible from the road. If the home or building cannot be seen from the road or is
situated more than 50' from the road. Then you are also required to post the number at the
entrance to you property. If you are in violation of this law you are subject to a $250.00 fine.
As the property owner you may also be liable if emergency medical services, fire services or
Law enforcement cannot locate these properties during an emergency. If you have any
questions pertaining to your address or posting your house number please call (864) 898-
5960.

Q: What types of incidents should be reported to 911?

A: Any incident that threatens health, life, or property should be reported to 911. Crimes that are in progress, threatened, or have already occurred as well as fires or medical problems requiring emergency assistance are some examples.

Q: What type of things should NOT be reported using 911?

A: We encourage citizens to find alternative solutions to problems such as a cat in the tree, keys locked in a car, or power outages. The 911 center dispatches public safety personnel to emergency situations. In most cases, those personnel cannot assist with the problems mentioned above.

The 911 center is also not prepared to give directions, weather reports or answer questions about school closings. Remember, 911 is for emergencies. If the lines are tied up with non-emergency calls, you may not be able to get help as quickly as you need it in your own emergency.

Q: What if I’m not sure whether my situation is an emergency or not?

A: We realize that most citizens do not have public safety training. Any time you think you need emergency assistance, or if you’re not sure, call us. We are trained to determine the severity of situations and send appropriate help.

Q: Can I call 911 from my cellular phone?

A: Yes, although wireless calls can present special problems for 911 centers and callers. Calls from wireless calls are sent to the 911 center closest to the cell tower that your call is routed through. For example, you may be in Pickens County, place a 911 call from your cell phone and get Greenville County instead because the cell tower handling the call is actually in Greenville County. Be aware of this possibility when placing cellular 911 calls. Your call may take a few extra minutes because of the mis-route. Also be aware that wireless 911 calls do not automatically display your location as a traditional phone. If you are not familiar with your exact location, it is crucial that you give as much information about your surroundings as possible.

Q: Does the County have an application to inform its residents of an emergency situation in our area?
 
Pickens County has the capability of using a reverse notification application in case of emergency. If you have a listed telephone number, your number will automatically be listed in the database. However; if you have an unlisted number, a cell phone, or want to add additional numbers for notification, your number must be registered on the following website https://public.coderedweb.com/cne/C3C704C85B7D.
 
If you have any questions or have trouble registering your information, please contact our office at (864) 898-5958.