Cell Phone Users Beware: 911 Operators May Not Be Able To Locate You

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Cell phones that were bought within the last 2 years have a GPS chip in them, but don't assume that in an emergency, a 911 operator can figure out exactly where you are.

Case in point, it was March 26, in Riverdale, Maryland, a man on a cell phone called 911 to report an accident between a Marc Train and Metro bus. He knew it happened on Queensbury Road at the CSX tracks but he says the 911 operator repeatedly asked for a cross street. Prince George's County Fire officials say the exchange didn't delay emergency response time.

But on the street, many cell-phone users were shocked to learn, you can't count on 911 to know where you are.

"If they can't find you on 911, you're definitely in trouble," said one man.

Another man added, "Are you serious? But I thought it was GPS."

Emergency call centers can locate which cell tower you're calling from, but if you live in DC, Prince George's County, Fairfax or Loudoun Counties, you'll need to give an exact address or cross street.

One woman pointed out, "If we're out walking, you might say, 'We're in the park. I don't know exactly where in the park."

But in Montgomery County, an enhanced 911 system ensures operators can pin point exactly where you are, regardless of what kind of phone you're dialing from.

Capt. William Richards of Mont. Co. Fire Rescue Services says,"With a single key stroke we can get their location within 30 to 50 feet." Richards adds, "So many children have cell phones now. If they were to simply just open their cell phones and dial 911, we could find out where they are."

If you live in an area without an enhanced 911 system, you're being advised to keep a landline phone at home, just in case. And if you're out and about and don't know your exact address, point out identifiable landmarks. For more tips on how to stay help yourself, click here.