10-Digit Mandatory Dialing Changes Will Impact Fire Alarm Panel Automatic Dialing
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted an order approving the designation of “988” as the 3-digit abbreviated dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As a result of this designation, beginning October 24, 2021, a 10-digit telephone number (area code + phone number) will be required to complete all local calls from area codes 314, 417, 660, and 816. All licensed long-term care facilities in Missouri are required to have a fire alarm panel that dials a monitoring company during a trouble call or fire signal. It is imperative that facility staff verify or reprogram the fire alarm panel to ensure it will dial out with the area code. This will need to be confirmed with the fire alarm and/or monitoring company. For additional information regarding 10-digit mandatory dialing changes, please refer to the FAQs About 10-Digit Dialing document developed by the Missouri Public Service Commission.