Deaf and Hearing Impaired Callers
For the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, communications centers throughout St. Tammany Parish are equipped with special text telephones for responding to 9-1-1 calls.
Tips for TTY/TDD Callers
- Stay calm, place the phone receiver in the TTY, dial 9-1-1.
- After the call is answered, press the TTY keys several times. This may help shorten the time necessary to respond to the call.
- Give the call taker time to connect their TTY. If necessary, press the TTY keys again. The 9-1-1 call taker should answer and type “GA” for Go Ahead.
- Tell what is needed-police, fire department or ambulance. Give your name, phone number and the address where help is needed.
- Stay on the telephone if it is safe. Answer the call taker’s questions. If a deaf or hearing/speech impaired caller doesn’t have a TTY/TDD, the caller should call 9-1-1 and don’t hang up. Not hanging up leaves the line open. With most 9-1-1 calls, the caller’s address is displayed on the call taker’s screen and help will
be sent.
