Callers with Special Needs

Deaf / Hard of Hearing In Need of Assistance

When someone who is deaf/hard of hearing calls into our center through TTY, whether it be through 911 or through a direct line, our new high-tech phone system is equipped with TTY and prompts our Telecommunicators of incoming TTY calls.

You can help us help you by telling the call taker:

  • The location where help is needed.
  • What is needed and provide your name, phone number.
  • If it is safe, stay on the telephone to answer the call taker's questions.

We also take calls through the "Virginia Relay" Services. 

Families with Special Needs

The Computer-Aided Dispatch system utilized by the Telecommunicators to dispatch calls for service has the capability to store information specific to an address. This provides information that may be disseminated in accordance with HIPPA to the responding units either via the radio or across the mobile data computers. This information may include special needs, such as medical necessities.

Marcus Alert System

In compliance with Va. Code Section 9.1-193(F), each locality shall establish a voluntary database to be made available to the 9-1-1 alert system and the Marcus Alert System to provide relevant mental health information and emergency contact information for an appropriate response to an emergency or crisis. If you are an individual with a behavioral health illness, mental health illness, developmental or intellectual disability, or brain injury; the parent or legal guardian of such individual if the individual is under the age of 18; or a person appointed the guardian of such person, you may voluntarily provide identifying and health information concerning behavioral health illness, mental health illness, developmental or intellectual disability, or brain injury to this database. Provision of such information is completely voluntary. This information will be made available only to the 9-1-1 alert system and the Marcus alert system. To request to be added to the database, complete the City of Norfolk Marcus Alert Registration Form.