It is time for California to take the next step in 911 service. As with any public service there are times when some regional problem overburdens the local 911 operation, delaying needed response. It is not cost effective for every 911 center to staff for peak loads. I therefor suggest that California establish several regional 911 overflow centers to which calls would automatically be diverted when all local 911 operators are busy. The remote operators would have a map of the caller’s area come up, along with direct connections to the appropriate emergency unit. Another advantage, the cost of translators could be spread over many cities.

The regional centers would ideally be located where they were unlikely to be flooded out of burned out by forest fires, and they should be reasonably close to population centers likely to have workers available. Ultimately, California might implement Jerry Brown’s one good idea and put up CalSat. A synchronous satellite to handle all state communications.

I believe these regional 911 centers would qualify for FEMA funds.