Calls Flood Muskogee 911 Center Following 10-Digit Transition

Tara Vreeland, News On 6

MUSKOGEE, Oklahoma -- It's funny how three extra numbers can cause a little extra chaos.

Since 10-digit dialing took effect Saturday, 911 dispatchers in Muskogee have been getting unanticipated calls from people who thought they were dialing 918.

Beware before you dial. If you are just one digit off, misdial, or have speedy fingers, you might get a 911 dispatcher.

Emergency dispatcher officers in Muskogee are seeing an increase in accidental calls.

Sergeant Pedro Zardeneta with the Muskogee Police department says a dispatcher may typically get five accidental dials a day.

"She took 16. Almost three times as many as she normally would on a given day," Zardeneta said.

Sergeant Zardeneta says since the 918 switch, they've also had more hang-ups, about 38 over the weekend.

"When you call 911, your information automatically popped up. We know exactly who called and where it came from," he said.

The police department says if you do miss-dial stay on the line and explain to the dispatcher that it was a mistake.

Otherwise, dispatchers will have to call you back, and if you don't answer, an officer will be sent to your home to check on you, tying up emergency resources.

Ken White with Tulsa's 911 dispatch center says they also noticed a minor increase in accidental calls and hang ups.