Director of Communications:
Keith Shults
Hours:
The PSAP runs 24/7 and our staff is always available to assist citizens with any need that may arise.
Address:
County Complex
2712 State Highway 29
PO Box 20
Johnstown NY 12095
Phone:
(518) 736-2100
Fax:
(518) 736-2126
Our Communications Center consist of 14 Full Time Emergency Services Dispatchers and 4 Part Time Dispatchers.
The Dispatchers are responsible for the day to day operations of the 911 PSAP for Fulton County, NY.
This PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) is the only PSAP for the county and is responsible for the emergency dispatching of every Fire Department, every Law Enforcement Agency and every EMS Agency.
The PSAP runs 24/7 and our staff is always available to assist citizens with any need that may arise.
How does the Communications Center know where I am and the telephone number I am calling from?
When you dial 9-1-1 from a cell phone, the Dispatcher can see your approximate location by receiving the location of the cell tower your call is coming from.
The Dispatcher attempts to get your exact location, using coordinates through GPS.
This allows the Call-Taker to place your location exactly; within the size of a football stadium.
What information do I need when I call 9-1-1?
The following information is asked on each and every 9-1-1 call:
Address/Location
Telephone Number
Name
Nature of the Emergency.
It our goal here at the Communications Center to ensure an accurate and quick response to the emergency you are reporting and answering all asked questions will assist in the proper and timely response of the Emergency Responders.
Is help being sent while I am answering questions?
Yes! Help is being sent!
Our Communications Center uses a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) program, which allows the Dispatcher to enter information and send the call in a timely manner while asking further questions.
There is no delay in sending help while you continue to answer questions.
While you are on the line answering questions about the emergency, a Dispatcher is dispatching and sending the appropriate help.
What should I teach my child about calling 9-1-1?
Teaching kids the proper use of 9-1-1 is very important.
Here are some things you should teach your kids:
· Teach your child their full name, their parents' names, their home address, and their telephone number with the area code.
· Teach your child what an emergency is and when to call 9-1-1.
· Teach your child that it is against the law to call 9-1-1 as a joke or a prank
· Teach your child to remain calm and answer all the questions they are asked.
What should I do if I accidentally dial 9-1-1?
If you accidentally dial 9-1-1, DO NOT hang up.
The best thing you can do is stay on the line until a Dispatcher answers the phone so you can tell them that you dialed by mistake.
If you hang up before speaking with a Dispatcher, an attempt will be made to call your telephone number back to make sure everything is okay and that there is no emergency.
If no contact is made, and you have called from a land line phone (home telephone), an officer will be dispatched to the location of the 9-1-1 call.
How do I submit a tip?
If you have a non-emergency complaint, call 518-736-2100.
An example of a non-emergency complaint would be any incident where a crime is not currently in progress.
What is the Fulton County Emergency Management App?
The Fulton County Emergency Management App has a lot to offer and is intended as a single source of information for emergency preparedness, emergency information and alerts.
Also included in the Fulton County Emergency Management App is information on programs and services offered by the Sheriff Office and Public Health.
Additionally, the app contains a complete directory and contact information for County Offices.