Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Alarm Panels Need Urgent Update
Panels that dial out seven digits must be re-programed to dial out a 10-digit number, which includes the area code plus telephone number.
No change is needed if the alarm panels are currently dialing out 10-digits, or if they are dialing out a toll-free number (800, 888, 844, etc.) to reach the monitoring center.
FRISCO, Texas — The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) has posted an urgent notice for all installing security contractors to reprogram alarm panels in preparation for the nationwide implementation of 988 as the 3-digit abbreviated dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NANPA).
The notice explains that alarm panels will need to be reprogrammed in customers’ premises if they currently are programed to dial out seven digits to reach the monitoring center.
If the panels are currently dialing out seven digits, they must be re-programed to dial out a 10-digit number, which includes the area code plus telephone number.
The updates or reprogramming must occur between April 24-Oct. 24, 2021 (the permissive dialing period). Starting these efforts before April 24, 2021, may result in failed calls if permissive 10-digit dialing has not yet been implemented. The changes need to be completed by October 24, 2021.
No change is needed if the alarm panels are currently dialing out 10-digits, or if they are dialing out a toll-free number (800, 888, 844, etc.) to reach the monitoring center.
“We need your assistance in notifying alarm companies in 37 states and 83 area codes about the transition from 7-digit to 10-digit local dialing. Any assistance in notifying your membership would be appreciated,” the notice from NANPA cites.
Additional information about the transition is available here.
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