Kari’s Law is a Federal law requiring multi-line phone systems to enable users to directly dial 911 without the use of a prefix such as a trunk group access code.
The law was signed into effect in 2018 and went into effect on February 16, 2020. You can read about the law here and applies to all new/upgraded systems. Your ShoreTel/Mitel Connect has the ability to be in compliance.
This means when dialing 911, the user must not be required to dial a prefix or trunk access code such as 8 or 9, even if this is required for dialing normal outside phone numbers.
This law also requires that routing to 911 should be direct without any interception – such as going to an operator to transfer the call to 911.
It also means there needs to be on-site notification to staff of who dialed 911.
How to Confirm your settings in ShoreTel/Mitel Connect Director
Inside Director, go to Settings – Systems – Sites
Under the General tab for Emergency number list (911) make sure the checkbox labeled Trunk Access Code required is Blank (not checked).
How to Confirm Notification Settings
To use the email alert settings in Connect:
- Maintenance Tab - Event Filters
- Event ID should be set to 1319
- Enter the desired email.
Testing Your 911
It is important to test your 911 configurations. When doing so it is imperative that you tell the 911 operator that this is a TEST call.
It is also important to remember to test your 911 by confirming the location address that is associated with your number. When calling make sure to tell the 911 operator/dispatcher that this is a TEST and you are calling to verify your address.
Please note, some states have enacted additional requirements for Kari's law. The information above is to help comply with the Federal FCC law. Consult with your local and state government to see if further requirements are necessary.
Kari's Law
In December 2013, Kari Hunt was killed by her estranged husband in a motel room in Texas. Her daughter repeatedly attempted to dial 9-1-1 from the motel room, but was unable to reach emergency responders because the motel’s MLTS required users to dial “9” to reach an outside line.