Begin Main Content Area

​Making a Test Call to 911

Many businesses and other entities use complex, multi-line phone systems that are required to be in compliance with Kari’s Law and RAY BAUM'S Act to enhance emergency response. PEMA regularly receives requests from entities looking to schedule a test 911 call to confirm that their local Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) is able to receive their emergency call and that the call contains accurate location information.

Pennsylvania has a county-based 911 system – which means each county has a centralized call center (a PSAP) where all incoming 911 calls are received and dispatched to the appropriate local police, fire, or emergency medical service responders.

How to Make a Test Call

DO NOT simply call 911! You should only dial 911 in emergency situations that require an immediate response by police, fire, or emergency medical services.

You will need to contact the PSAP of the county in which you (or your address of concern) are located with your request to conduct a test call. Please note that because of staffing or call volume, some PSAPs may have specific dates or times that they perform these test calls. This directory contains the most recent non-emergency contact information for Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. (In Philadelphia, submitting an email is the only way to request scheduling of a test 911 call.)

County PSAPs often have useful information on their websites to address non-emergency needs such as placing a test call to 911, verifying your address, or other general inquiries.