What Is Kari’s Law

Kari’s Law is named in honor of Kari Hunt, who was killed by her estranged husband in a motel room in Marshall, Texas in 2013. Ms. Hunt’s 9-year-old daughter tried to call 911 for help four times from the motel room phone, but the call never went through because she did not know that the motel’s phone system required dialing “9” for an outbound line before dialing 911.

Congress responded by enacting Kari’s Law in 2018. The 911 laws require direct 911 dialing and notification capabilities in multi-line telephone systems (MLTS), which are typically found in enterprises such as office buildings, campuses, and hotels. The statute provides that these requirements take effect on February 16, 2020, two years after the enactment date of the law. In addition, Kari’s Law and the federal rules are forward-looking and apply only with respect to MLTS that are manufactured, imported, offered for first sale or lease, first sold or leased, or installed after February 16, 2020.

Under the statute and the Commission’s rules, MLTS manufacturers and vendors must pre-configure these systems to support direct dialing of 911 that is, to enable the user to dial 911 without having to dial any prefix or access code, such as the number 9. In addition, MLTS installers, managers, and operators must ensure that the systems support 911 direct dialing.

The Commission’s rules also implement the notification requirement of the 911 laws, which is intended to facilitate building entry by first responders. When a 911 call is placed on a MLTS system, the system must be configured to notify a central location on-site or off-site where someone is likely to see or hear the notification. Examples of notification include conspicuous on-screen messages with audible alarms for security desk computers using a client application, text messages for smart phones, and email for administrators. Source: https://www.fcc.gov/

What is Ray Baum’s Act

Ray Baum’s Act highlights the importance of geographic location in managing emergency situations. When first responders have access to a precise location they are better able to deliver emergency services, improving emergency outcomes and saving lives.

This Federal mandate is formalizing legislation already present in many states. Phone systems must transmit 911 calls to the appropriate PSAP with “dispatch able location”. For business and enterprise organizations, this information could include room, floor, or cubicle number.

Quite simply, Ray Baum’s Act ensures first responders have access to the most accurate and up-to-date location information possible, so they are better able to deliver life-saving services.

Ray Baum’s Act Requirements

All Hotel Phone System must send a dispatch able location (Your Hotel Street Address, Room Number of the Guest) with every 911 call, along with a number to call back to if necessary.

Purpose and Implications of Ray Baum’s Act

The purpose of Ray Baum’s Act Section 506 is simple: ensure dispatchers know where 911-callers are.

The implications – and what businesses will need to do – are numerous.

1. Ensure you have updated emergency locations information for all your guest room and public area telephone extension example Swimming Pool, elevator, Gym, Business Center.

2. Address both fixed and mobile services used by employees and develop an implementation plan.

3. Test endpoints and ensure the correct emergency information is conveyed using our 911 test assistance services.

4. Make sure when your any guest room or hotel extension dial 911 Frontdesk should notified with IVR Call, SMS, Email or Push Notification.

As you may know, Ray’s Baum’s Act will require 911 calls from Hotel Telephone Systems to include a “dispatchable location” to the PSAP. That means, along with street address, additional information, such as Room, Suite, Apartment number or similar must be provided to the PSAP so that Emergency Responders can quickly reach a person who needs help.

Contact CloudExt today to help you work towards your Kari’s Law Compliance and Ray Baum’s Act Compliance.

CloudExt is a leading hotel technology company is allready providing Hotel Phone System As a Service to hundreds of hotels and thousands of guest rooms. for more information visit www.cloudext.com