It’s really not that complicated.
They will answer the 911 call, you say this is just a test to ensure the functionality, thank them and then hang up.
Worst case you get some person who complains about the test call, and you calmly explain that you called their non-emergency number beforehand to ensure that it would be OK, thank them, and then hang up.
debanqued@beehaw.org 5 days ago
That’s a dicey hack. There are typically fines for placing illegit 911 calls because they get enough false calls to have in place a system that automatically charges whatever the fine is. Was $50 for the 1st offense decades ago IIRC… likely higher now.
dfyx@lemmy.helios42.de 5 days ago
You’re constructing an argument that’s so specific, you’re basically begging to be the victim.
If you a) have a device that can’t make regular calls b) have no way to contact a non-emergency number through a different device to ask for advice and c) absolutely need to test this right now, then you’re about one in a million. Just make that call, answer the “what’s your emergency?” question with “No emergency right now, I need to test that my device that can’t make regular calls will work in a real emergency. Sorry, I couldn’t reach your non-emergency number.” and it will be fine.
It’s only an illegit 911 call if you call them for fun or if you test so often it can no longer be considered necessary.
debanqued@beehaw.org 5 days ago
Citation needed that there will be no fine to pay.
dfyx@lemmy.helios42.de 5 days ago
Well, go ask the non-emergency line if it’s okay. That’s what is recommended. Looks like you have access to the internet. What keeps you from writing an email to your local police station and just ask what you should do? I can’t know where you live. I can only tell that in my 38 years of life, these things have been solved by actually talking to people or trying things. Certainly not by complaining on the internet to people who can’t do anything about it and then not even suggesting a better solution.
Sorry, but you don’t seem like you want a solution. You want something to complain about.