FAQs • Scott County, VA • CivicEngage

I dialed 911 from my cell phone, but didn't get Scott County, why is that?: Your cell phone may have hit a tower that is not routed to Scott County Emergency Communications Center. You need to identify your location to the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) that you reached. The PSAP will attempt to route you to the correct PSAP.

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Public Safety / GIS

1. What is E 911?: 911 is a lifesaving emergency notification network in which the caller is identified by an automatic number identifier (ANI) and an automatic location identifier (ALI). This information is automatically displayed on the dispatcher's computer screen at the time the emergency call is answered at the dispatch center. The caller is required to only dial 3 numbers 911 to be connected to the public safety answering point (PSAP). 911 is a nationally known emergency notification number.

2. What does the "E" stand for?: Enhanced, this means the dispatcher gets address information as well as phone number information when you dial 911.

3. Why does a road have to have a name?: The name assigns a specific name to a specific road which is used to identify your general location in the county. Your house number on that named road identifies your specific location on that road. Many times a caller is unable to give directions to their home or is unable to remember their road number in time of emergency.

4. How are addresses assigned?: The new address meets the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) standards. Addresses are assigned every 5.28 feet to coincide with 5,280 feet in a mile. You are assigned a house number and street name.

5. Will I still be able to get mail at my post office box?: Yes, if you choose to keep your post office box for your mailing address that is ok. You will have a new 911 address for you house, and you will still be required to post your house number on your house.

6. Will I have to put my new address on my mailbox?: Yes, the postal service needs to be able to find your mailbox.

7. Will I have to put my new address on my house?: Yes, you will be required to put your house number on your house. Posting your number on your house makes it easier for emergency responders to find you. In addition, it assists various delivery services to locate you to provide goods and services that you may have ordered.

8. You can't see my house from the road, how will responders find me?: You will still be required to put your house number on your house and post your house number at the end of the driveway.

9. When will my address change?: Changes to addresses have been made. If you have not received your new 911 address contact the addressing office at 276-386-7220.

11. Who answers the calls at 911?: The 911 phone system will connect you to the Scott County Emergency Communications Center. An Emergency Communications Specialist will answer your call. Answer all the questions asked of you and stay on the line until the Emergency Communications Specialist tells you to hang up.

12. Will we have improved rescue/fire/police response when 911 goes into effect?: Rescue/fire/police services are the responsibility of the responding agencies. Dialing 911 expedites the answering of the call and provides mapping to locate the emergency.

13. When can I start dialing 911?: The 911 number is operational from landline phones at this time. Scott County 911 is a fully Enhanced 911 Center.

14. I dialed 911 from my cell phone, but didn't get Scott County, why is that?: Your cell phone may have hit a tower that is not routed to Scott County Emergency Communications Center. You need to identify your location to the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) that you reached. The PSAP will attempt to route you to the correct PSAP.

15. I need to talk to someone, but it is not an emergency, who do I call?: 386-9111 is the non-emergency number that you may use for non-emergency situations. The 911 number is only to be used to summons help during an emergency situation.

16. Who can I call if I have a question?: If you have a question regarding your address please contact the addressing department at 276-386-7220.

17. I am moving to Scott County, who do I contact to find out what my address is?: Scott County E 911 is the addressing agent for the entire county including the towns of Clinchport, Duffield, Dungannon, Gate City, Nickelsville, and Weber City. You will need to visit the office to obtain your address. The address application may be downloaded. View the Addressing form (PDF).

18. I am building a house in Scott County, how do I get an address so that I can have my power turned on?: If you are building a new home or setting up a new trailer or doublewide home in Scott County you will need to complete the building permit process (Building Permit information). You will also need the driveway location roughed in so that the mapping will accurately reflect its location. When the footers have been approved E 911 staff will visit the site and GPS the footers and driveway.

19. I live in an apartment complex; will I still have a street address and apartment number?: Yes, apartment complexes will be addressed with a structure number, street name and unit number.

20. Will I use my 911 address to receive mail?: If you do not choose to receive mail at a post office box then you will use your 911 address as your mailing address.