Cell Phones for Emergency Use

Cell phones can be used to dial 911 even if phone service has been disconnected. The phones must be charged. The person calling 911 must be able to give their location since the 911 Call Center cannot tell this from the call (unlike a land line that gives the location of the phone).

Elderly people use these phones when they don’t have more than one phone, often in their bedrooms, or outside while they are working in the yard.

North Ottawa County Council on Aging takes donations of cell phones, tests them for keeping a charge, and gives them for free to people. Anyone can make a donation.

People desiring a phone must come to the either the Grand Haven Activities Center or the Coopersville site to pick up one. Staff will demonstrate how to use the phones and a release must be signed.

Call Grand Haven at 616-842-9210 or Coopersville at 616-997-1786 for more information.