News Flash

For Immediate Release

Rowan County Telecommunications moved to North Carolina’s state ESInet 9-1-1 system on Wednesday September 23^rd, 2020. ESInet is the Emergency Services IP network.  The ESInet is the next generation (NG911) of receiving and processing 9-1-1 calls for service. The new system will help to more accurately route your 9-1-1 call to the proper emergency call center. Currently, 9-1-1 systems use geographic information systems (GIS) data to map callers’ locations and support dispatch functions. 9-1-1 calls are mapped based on address range, street name and city information stored in a tabular street address guide. Location Information and the address guide validate addresses and route 9-1-1 calls to the correct 9-1-1 center.

NG911 will allow 9-1-1 calls to be mapped by coordinates or address locations, and GIS data will be used to validate address data and route 9-1-1 calls to the correct emergency center. GIS data will be used by the location validation function to validate address locations and by the emergency call routing function to geospatially route calls to the correct 9-1-1 center. This means GIS data will become mission critical and will be used for life safety. The GIS data for address information and service area boundaries will need to be accurate, up-to-date and seamless across the state. In the NG911 call flow architecture, when a location is identified by a new landline or digital service, it is validated against the NG911 GIS data before the 9-1-1 call can be placed. NG911 also allows any 9-1-1 center across the state to be a backup for any other 9-1-1 center already on the ESInet. If for some reason, the 9-1-1 center in Rowan County was unable to take 9-1-1 calls, the 9-1-1 calls could be automatically routed to (for example) New Hanover County 9-1-1 so a call never goes unanswered. 

Rowan County is the 53^rd 9-1-1 system in the state to be migrated to the ESInet. Interim 9-1-1 Chief Lonnie Owens said, “ We are excited to have this new technology in Rowan County to better serve our citizens and ensure we get the resources needed to mitigate their needs from our dedicated first responders”.

###

Press Contact
Chief Allen Cress
Rowan County Emergency Services
2727 Old Concord Rd.Salisbury, NC 28146
704-216-8510
Email Allen Cress