Atlanta Officials Detail E-911 Upgrades and Dispatch Protocols

Atlanta's E-911 Communications Department has reported that the system remains fully operational after the Verizon wireless outage, with trained call takers now able to deliver immediate medical instructions such as CPR over the phone.

These updates arrive as the city manages flash flood warnings in central Fulton County. Officials emphasize that the changes allow faster guidance to callers while first responders travel to incidents, a step the department says strengthens overall emergency response in the metro area.

Response Time Gains and New Protocols

The City of Atlanta E-911 center answered 84 percent of emergency calls within 20 seconds during 2024, an increase from 71 percent the prior year. Officials have set a target of 95 percent by the end of the year. The same department launched its Emergency Medical Dispatch protocol, which equips call takers to provide lifesaving directions while units are en route.

Atlanta Fire Rescue has also opened a new EMS station on Campbellton Road in Southwest Atlanta to reduce travel times in that corridor. Emergency managers at the Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency continue to post incident updates on the AFCEMA site at fultoncountyga.gov/AFCEMAupdates during active periods.

Alert Enrollment and Backup Contact Options

Residents can sign up for NotifyATL alerts by texting 24639 or by visiting atlantaga.gov/notifyatl. When phone service is disrupted, the city directs callers to the web portal at atlantaga.gov/request-dispatch or to Text-to-911.

Officials advise using 911 for true emergencies and 311 for issues such as downed trees or street flooding. Georgia Power handles power outage reports at 1-888-891-0938. These steps reflect the department's focus on maintaining access during both routine operations and weather activations across Fulton County.