NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

8/31/2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES -Northwestern State University has implemented "911" service on its Natchitoches campus, according to Director of Public Safety and Transportation Rickie Williams.

NSU had routed on-campus emergency calls to the main number of the University Police Department at 357-5431. A dedicated line has been set up to handle all emergency calls.

"Because of the work of police, fire and EMS officials over the years '911' is a standard emergency number people are familiar with," said Williams. "Calls have gotten to us quickly, but this should makes things easier for everyone on campus."

Williams said not all college campuses have "911" service. Northwestern could not install "911" service until its telephone system was upgraded. After the improvements were made, a unit of Bell South had to approve the emergency number. That process took several months.

The campus "911" number is accessible from lines within the university phone system. Emergency calls made from cell phones will be handled by the Narchitoches Parish Emergency Center.

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