Markham 911
Communications
Center

Mission Statement
The mission of the Markham Emergency Telephone System Board, is to ensure that the Citizens of Markham receive reliable, professional 9-1-1 Service. This is accomplished by utilization of technology changes and recommended policies and procedures.
The Markham ETSB will endeavor to work with emergency service agencies to ensure that the needs of the public are met.

Agency Profile
The Citizens of Markham voted in a $0.85 per Monthly Surcharge on there Telephone Bills to fund the 9-1-1 System. The Markham 9-1-1 System went live, and took emergencies calls and started the future of Markham communications. Today the system handles thousands of 9-1-1 Calls a Year from the 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) at the Markham 911 Center.

Contact Information
If you have any questions about the Markham 9-1-1 System, please feel free to contact Deputy Fire Chief Roger A. Agpawa, 9-1-1 Coordinator or Dispatch Supervisor Lonna Lockett at:

Markham 9-1-1
16313 Kedzie Parkway
Markham, IL 60428-5344
Phone – (708) 331-4905 ext. 257 or212 Fax – (708) 596-3686
E-Mail : ragpawa@cityofmarkham.net & llockett@cityofmarkham.net

What is 911?
Plain and simple: 911 is a three-digit telephone number that you can call 24 hours a day for police, fire or emergency medical services.

911 saves valuable time in an emergency. According to nationwide statistics, it can take up to 2 1/2 minutes to find your telephone directory and another 30 seconds to locate the correct number. In an emergency, 3 minutes is a long time -- time that can be saved by remembering to call 911!

When to Call 911
Call 911 in an emergency when you believe that the immediate response of the police, fire department, or ambulance is needed.

Some examples of when to call 911 are

• When you see fire or smoke
• When you or someone with you is in danger
• When you see a crime being committed
• When an ambulance is needed because someone is hurt or sick
• When someone is trying to break into you house
• When someone suspicious is prowling around your house or neighborhood
• When a child is approached by a stranger
• When an Infant is locked inside Vehicle

Some examples of when NOT to call 911 are

• To obtain weather reports
• To report utility problems (such as power or phone outages)
• To ask for directions or determine roadway names
• To obtain general information pertaining to police reports
• To request a taxi cab
• To request an ambulance for non-emergency, routine transports
• To find out what time it is
• When your keys are locked in your car

Remember that 911 is not for jokes; it is for people that need help. 911 is to be used for reporting emergencies. For general police information, contact your local police department. That non-emergency number should be found in your local telephone book.

How to Call 911
To call 911 from a home phone or a simple business phone, pick up the phone, and press the numbers: 9-1-1.

To call 911 from a Centrex or PBX business extension, obtain an outside line, and then press the numbers: 9-1-1.

To call 911 from a pay phone, no money is needed. Simply pick up the receiver, and press the numbers: 9-1-1.

To call 911 from a cellular or mobile phone, press the numbers: 9-1-1, and then press the "send" button. Be prepared to give your cell phone number and location to the 911 telecommunicator.

How Does 911 Work?
When you dial 911 from a wireline phone in Markham, your call will be automatically routed to the 911 answering point that provides emergency services for the location from which you are calling. When you dial 911 from a cellular phone, the call will either be routed to the State police call center or to Markham 911 call center, depending on the caller's location at the time the call is sent. In some cases the answering point that receives the initial 911 call may need to transfer it to a secondary answering point. It is possible you could be told as the caller you will be told that they are being transferred and instructed to remain on the line. Do not hang up during the transfer.

911 is only a telephone number. Quick response to emergencies depends on the important information provided by the caller. If you call 911, the telecommunicator who answers your call will ask you a series of questions. Remain on the line, and be prepared to provide the following information:

• What kind of emergency do you have
• What kind of help do you need
• Where is the emergency
• What phone number and address are you calling from
• For medical emergencies, you will be asked the patient's age, what is wrong with them, and whether they are conscious and breathing.

Helpful Tips
Post your address, phone number, and the closest street intersection to your home by each telephone so it is available for anyone who needs to make a 911 call.

Make sure that your home is clearly marked with your house number. It should be visible from the street or posted where your driveway intersects with the main road.

Talk to your children about how to use 911. Also discuss what is an emergency and what is not

Markham 911
Emergency Telephone System Board

Members

William Gaunty Jr.
Chairman

Ron Moaton
Fire Chief
Vice - Chairman

Paschal Crawford
Business Manager
Police Chief


Fire Department Representative


Police Department Representative


Alderman Liaison

Citizen Liaison

Roger A. Agpawa
911 Coordinator
ragpawa@cityofmarkham.net

ETSB Staff