New 911 standards designed to better protect Albertans

In a release, the province states new procedures will align processes in answering and transferring emergency phone calls, and will also:

– Establish an agreed upon terminology

– Set performance targets requiring calls be answered within 15 seconds and transferred within 60 seconds after answering, 95 per cent of the time

– Require centres to have a quality assurance plan and annual internal audit processes

– Mandate that centres have backup procedures to ensure 24/7 service continuity in the event of an outage or disruption

Minister of Municipal Affairs Shaye Anderson says Albertans should receive quality 911 service and know the emergency response system is there for them when they need it.

“No matter where in the province they live. I am proud that our new standards will ensure timely service, whether you live in Cardston or Calgary, Edmonton or Ensign,” Anderson added.

The standards were developed in collaboration with members of the Alberta 911 Association, including PSAPs, and other 911 stakeholders, such as policing organizations, Alberta Health Services and TELUS.

Chair of the Alberta E911 Advisory Association, Magni Magnason, says these standards are a very positive step.

“This will ensure everyone receives reliable and consistent 911 services. The AEAA is pleased to have been a part of this collaborative process to improve public safety for citizens.”

The Alberta 911 Program, a unit within the Government of Alberta, will work with PSAPs to maintain the standards and ensure compliance.

PSAPs have until June 12, 2019 to fully comply with the new standards.

by Aaron Mahoney (@Mahones93 on Twitter)

New 911 standards designed to better protect Albertans

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