After I call 911, why is there a delay before the phone dials?

When dialing 911, a caller may become confused as to whether the system is working properly due to a 5 to 12 second delay that can occur just prior to the "ringing" signal. This silence is due to a component of the system called "call setup time" which is part of the 911 system. 911 is independent of local telephone networks. This was done to prevent 911 calls from being blocked when the local network becomes overloaded.

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1. What should I (my family) do when our smoke alarms activate?
2. Can our battery-operated smoke alarms go bad and how do I dispose of our old detector?
3. Does my landlord have to place and maintain a smoke alarm in my rental unit?
4. Are carbon monoxide detectors required by law?
5. Where do I pay an ambulance bill?
6. Should I dial 911 even if I am not sure it is an emergency?
7. After I call 911, why is there a delay before the phone dials?
8. After I call 911, should I hang up?
9. Why is there always a fire engine on an ambulance call?
10. Which hospitals does the Winnetka Fire Department provide ambulance transportation?
11. What should be done with used diabetic needles and/or syringes?
12. How do I dispose of my unused prescription medications?
13. What is EMD and does Winnetka utilize emergency medical dispatchers?
14. What should I do when I see lights/sirens approaching?
15. Are open fires permitted in Winnetka?
16. Is a DNR the same as a medical power of attorney? Are there standard forms necessary for a valid DNR?
17. Are home fire sprinklers expensive?
18. How much will I save on my homeowner’s insurance policy if my house has residential sprinklers?
19. Does the Fire Department offer blood pressure screenings?
20. How can I learn to perform Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)?
21. Does the Department perform Fire Hydrant flow testing?
22. How are fire hydrants maintained?
23. Does the Department conduct Fire Station tours?
24. Does the Department perform home fire safety surveys?