The Telecommunications Department is responsible for telephone service and two-way radio communication at the parish government level and is also responsible for the 9-1-1 Center's physical plant and certain operational aspects.

Most Frequently Asked Questions:

1. When should I call 9-1-1?

Life threatening situation examples:

- In progress assaults.

Examples: Persons fighting with or without weapons.  Persons being attacked by other individuals and/or animals.

- Burglary in progress.

Burglar is trying to or has entered your home and/or business with individual present with or without weapons.

- Severe blood loss.

- Breathing problems.

- Serious accident with injury.

- Auto, home and/or property on fire or in imminent danger of fire.

- Persons trapped in fire situations and/or in imminent harm.

2. How much does the 9-1-1 service cost and where and when do I pay

it?

9-1-1 charges are assessed on your monthly phone bill.  Current Cost is $.65 for each residential phone line, $2.04 for each commercial phone line up to $25.00, and $1.24 for each cellular phone/wireless line.

3. How can I find out if the information at the 9-1-1 Center is correct

regarding home address, name, etc.?

If an individual is not sure that their information is correct in the 9-1-1 data base file, they can write to the 9-1-1 Director for Jefferson Parish at 5698 Belle Terre Road, Marrero, Louisiana 70072 and request that a review be made.  If a discrepancy exists, the appropriate parties can be contacted to rectify the situation.

4. How do I inform 9-1-1 about special needs for disabled persons, the

need for electrical support for life support in a home and/or business, evacuation assistance during a flood and/or other emergency?

Individuals can contact the following:

- Community Relations Department for JPSO: 376-2401

- Emergency Medical Services for Jefferson Parish: 889-7152

- Local Fire Departments: 349-5317

- Local Utility Company: 1-800-368-3749

NOTE: Persons needing such assistance should contact these offices prior to an actual incident.

5. Why do call takers ask so many questions when I call 9-1-1 to report

an accident?

Call takers when possible attempt to seek additional information to better serve the caller and to make sure that the proper responding units are notified.  In some cases due to the situation only an address and phone number is provided and emergency crews are sent out in accordance with agency procedure.

6. The telephone company told me to call 9-1-1 for an address

assignment.  Can you help me?

Contact Code Enforcement at 736-6957 for East Bank locations and 364-3515 for West Bank locations and not 9-1-1.  A call for this type of information ties up the 911 circuits for true emergencies.

7. Is the 9-1-1 system accessible to hearing impaired?

Yes.  The 9-1-1 system for Jefferson Parish (unincorporated Jefferson Parish and all municipalities) is TDD accessible.

If you have any questions about TDD accessibility or need information you may contact the Jefferson Parish Office for Citizen's With Disabilities at 736-6087.

8. Can hearing impaired persons assist 9-1-1 workers improve their

performance by doing random testing?

Yes.  We at the communications district would appreciate random test calling however we would want to make arrangements for such in order to coordinate the testing.  Therefore we ask that you call the 9-1-1 administration at 349-5302 to inquire about how you can help before conducting any such test.

9. Is the 9-1-1 system capable of determining my cellular phone number

and location?

Our 9-1-1 system is capable of and currently receives a wireless caller's cell phone number.  If there is a need to call you back, 9-1-1 operators are now able to do so.  However, the Communications District is in the process of upgrading its equipment to make it possible to receive the location of a cell phone customer.  Until such time, it is important, in an emergency situation, that you be very aware of your exact location in order to provide that information to our 9-1-1 personnel.