If you’re like me, you may not know of the 10 digit calling changes scheduled to take effect 24 October, 2021 😳 Heads up!
The way we dial phone numbers changes today for some of us in 35 states with 82 area codes. The FCC explains ten digit calling here: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/ten-digit-dialing
California Area Codes Changing
Per various news sources in California, the affected California area codes are:
- ▪ 209 — covers Stockton, Modesto and surrounding areas
- ▪ 530 — covers most of the north state east of Del Norte County and north of Roseville. Includes most of Yolo, Placer and El Dorado counties
- ▪ 562 — covers Long Beach and part of Orange County
- ▪ 626 — covers most of the San Gabriel Valley, including Pasadena
- ▪ 650 — covers most of San Mateo County and some parts of Santa Clara County, including Palo Alto
- ▪ 707 — covers the north coast of California including Napa, Vacaville and Fairfield
- ▪ 925 — covers parts of the East Bay, including parts of Alameda and Contra Costa counties
- ▪ 949 — covers southern Orange County
- ▪ 951 — covers western Riverside County If your phone number begins with any of these area codes, you will have to add a few extra digits when you want to make a local, in-area call.
WHY ARE 10 DIGITS REQUIRED?
In July 2020, the Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules that established 988 as a quick way to dial the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, similar to 911 for emergency calls. In the United States, 82 area codes that currently operate with seven-digit calling — including the nine California area codes soon to be affected — use 988 as a central office exchange code, allowing for easier dialing.
Residents of multiple states, including California, will soon be required to dial all 10 digits to make local calls within their areas codes after the Federal Communications Commission adopted 988 as a new three-digit number to be used nationwide to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Line.
Currently, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline uses the toll-free number (800) 272-8255 to connect to an expansive network of approximately 180 crisis centers nationwide.
The change in the hotline number doesn’t take place for more than a year; until July 16, 2022, people should continue to dial 1-800-273-TALK to reach the crisis hotline.
The three-digit number — 988 — that will be used to reach the suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline had previously been assigned as a prefix in 82 area codes in 35 states and the U.S. territory of Guam.
States Impacted by Changes
The Patch in Orange County provided the following (https://patch.com/california/orange-county/10-digit-calling-changes-california-new-way-dial-local)
Here’s the list from the FCC: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky and Louisiana; Also, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
Making the switch isn’t as simple as adding the area code to local calls. You’ll also have to reprogram automatic dialing equipment — for example, life safety systems or medical monitoring devices; fire, burglary and security alarm systems; speed dialers; cell phone contact lists; call forwarding services; voicemail services; and other similar functions.
According to the FCC, the changes “will help to ensure ubiquitous deployment of 988, thereby easing access to the suicide prevention and crisis intervention services, decreasing the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health crises and ultimately saving lives.”
You’ll also have to change your email signature or stationery if they don’t include the area code. You should literally think of everything that has your address on it, including your pet ID tags, and include the area code in the contact number. To ensure that all callers trying to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline successfully complete their calls, these 82 area codes need to switch to 10-digit calling.
People making calls on landlines will still dial 1+ for long-distance calls. That’s a lot of numbers to fix in your address book. Emergency service calls to 911 and 711 (a relay service used by people who are deaf or hearing impaired) will be made as they are now, by dialing the three digits. Any 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, or 811 services available in your community can still be reached by dialing their three-digit codes. Read more on the 988 suicide crisis hotline.
Be Ready for the Unexpected
Finding ways to make it easier for you to take care of the “unexpected” is what I do. I’ve learned so much about this in my professional and personal life and share comprehensive pre-planning actions to take.
Before life’s twists and turns impact you, your loved ones and your business, let’s talk. When you dig into the nitty gritty of your life, organize what needs to be done, and take action, it is a huge relief.
Check out my website to learn about me and what I do: https://thelivingplanner.com Have questions, email me: Lynn@thelivingplanner.com
Take care of you –Lynn