Busy tone when you dialed 911? The why, the how, and the what-you-can-do-instead

Gary Richards at the San Jose Mercury News published some excellent research in the Sunday copy. T’was about the emergency dispatch system, the overload troubles faced by the 911 system, and what one can do about it.

Here’s the link. Its also got a related story that gives some great guidance on what to do when calling 911, and more importantly – what not to do.

And in the off chance that you’ve opted to not click away and stay on this page, here’s the list of 911 alternates:

Alameda County: (510) 667-7721

Campbell: (408) 378-8161

Cupertino: (408) 299-3233

Fremont: (510) 790-6800

Gilroy: (408) 842-0191

Los Altos: (650) 947-2779

Los Altos Hills: (650) 299-3233

Los Gatos: (408) 354-8600

Menlo Park: (650) 325-4424

Milpitas: (408) 263-1212

Monte Sereno: (408) 354-8600

Morgan Hill: (408) 779-2101

Mountain View: (650) 369-3331

Palo Alto: (650) 329-2413

Redwood City: (650) 369-3331

San Jose: (408) 277-8911

San Martin: (408) 299-3233

San Mateo County: (650) 363-4911

Santa Clara: (408) 296-2236

Saratoga: (408) 299-3233

Sunnyvale: (408) 736-6244

Santa Clara County: (408) 299-3233

Santa Cruz: (831) 471-1131

Santa Cruz County: (831) 471-1170

Scotts Valley: (831) 440-5670

Union City: (510) 471-1441