This letter is to clarify the June 9 article in the Bangor Daily News concerning the availability of Enhanced 911 in Maine.

All Mainers except those in three towns covered by the 794 telephone exchange are part of the Enhanced 911 system and can dial 911 in an emergency. The article’s discussion of “60 towns still lack[ing] E911” was in relation to community addressing, not the ability to dial 911 in an emergency.

When dialed, Enhanced 911 automatically displays the name and address of the caller to the dispatch center. If a town has not finished street addressing, the location information will not pinpoint the address of the caller. It may only have a street name, for example, but people in these communities can and should dial 911 in an emergency.

Enhanced 911 addressing is a voluntary town program. I applaud the countless community volunteers who are helping or helped their towns adopt street names and addresses in preparation for this lifesaving service.

People with questions regarding Enhanced 911 can call the bureau at 1-888-448-3803.

Albert E. Gervenack

Director Emergency Services

Communication Bureau

Vassalboro