Due to recent social media postings, St Tammany Parish Communications District would like to address the issue of dialing 112 from a cell phone to be connected to an emergency call center. 9-1-1 is the only emergency number that should be dialed in an emergency situation. 112 is an emergency number used in some foreign countries but is not universally recognized in the United States. Your emergency call to 112 may not be directed to an emergency call center as it is when you dial 9-1-1. It is very important for the residents of the Parish to be familiar with both 9-1-1 and non emergency numbers for the city in which they reside. All non emergency numbers can be found on the St Tammany Parish website http://www.stpgov.org/public_safety.php.

Emergency numbers vary from country to country and are usually a three digit number. By using a three digit number, emergency services can be reached quickly and easily. In many European countries 112 was introduced as the emergency number, but residents in the United States need to use 9-1-1 when reporting any emergency requiring law enforcement, fire services or emergency medical services.

Public and private groups are encouraged to contact Athena Walker the Public Education Coordinator for speaking engagements and all 9-1-1 presentations for all age groups at 898-4911 or [email protected].