Tennessee Emergency Management Agency sent out a media release Sept. 25, 2014 after much of West Tennessee experienced disruptions to cellular 9-1-1 systems.
These wireless emergency alerts were for anyone living or driving through West Tennessee. The media release alternative phone numbers were sent via text message to all cellular devices, giving people a way to reach a local 9-1-1 center. The troubles pertaining to the cellular phone calls being dropped was thought to be caused by the recent amount of rain received in the area.
The problem seems to be mostly AT&T cell phones users, and AT&T is working on this problem. Some people were in panic due to the speculation that ISIS might attack the U.S. on 9/11 or close to that date. On the other hand, people were also confused by the random emergency text message with an alternative 9-1-1 number.
TEMA also sent an alert to the affected in the counties that stated, “In an emergency in [County Name], call [10-digit number for that county] or use a landline to call 911.”
Such information also made local news. Several stations covered the event, and ensured that AT&T and emergency crews were doing what they could to get this problem solved.
For anyone who missed the emergency alert, or simply forgot to put the number in their phone, while attending the University of Tennessee at Martin, or for those who live in Weakley County, that number is (731) 364-5454. For anyone whose hometown or traveling through different parts of West Tennessee, we have provided you with a list of emergency contact number for those areas.
Though AT&T are said to be the only cellular company affected, all others may want to pay attention to these numbers just incase you experience the same mishap when trying to call in your emergency 9-1-1 calls.
The list of affected counties and their 10-digit phone numbers are shown in the graphic below.
