— by Lin McNulty —
In January 2017, everyone with a landline phone received a notification that Western Washington was getting a new area code. Not really a new area code, per se, but an overlay area code. When the changeover went into full effect July 29, 2017 it became necessary to always dial the area code — even when dialing someone in the same area code, even when dialing your next-door neighbor.
While this applies to every number dialed, it does not apply when dialing 911. In fact, dialing the area code puts the caller into a different system than dialing 911 directly. It simply won’t work.
San Juan County Sheriff’s dispatch requested we share this information with our readers as they have had at least one inquiry. “If it is a question to one caller, I am sure there are others,” said dispatcher Robin DeLazerda.
**If it wouldn’t cause you financial distress to take out a modestly-priced, voluntary subscription (HERE), you’d be doing a real service. If it would, then no worries, we’re happy to share with you.**
