Dispatchers at the center keep track of numerous pieces of information. (Journal photo by Cecilia Brown)

MARQUETTE — During National Public Safety Telecommunicators week, officials want the public to know ways they can help dispatchers help them in an emergency:

≤ Call from a landline and/or know your exact location. This will make it easier for responders to help you.

≤ When calling 911, slow down and listen to the dispatcher. They are trained to ask specific questions to help determine the type and amount of help needed in a situation. Some are also trained as certified medical dispatchers and can provide medical instructions over the phone.

≤ If traveling, or doing recreational activities in unfamiliar territory, leave travel information with a trusted family member or friend, including when you are going, where you are staying, when you are staying there and when you should be back.

≤ When traveling, pay attention to mile markers on interstates. For secondary roads, pay attention to street names and intersections. This information can help you provide a more accurate location to a dispatcher if an emergency occurs.

≤ Make sure children know their address and how to get there from a young age, as knowing this information is critical in an emergency. It can be helpful to post the address of a residence near landline phones and/or on the fridge, in case children need to call for help.

≤ For short-term rental lodging, owners should prominently display the address of the property, utility information, their own contact information, as well as city and/or township information, in case of an emergency.

≤ Officials wish to emphasize that if a child is given an old cell phone to play with, make sure that the battery is removed, as even deactivated cell phones are capable of dialing 911, which can tie up emergency call lines.