Fixit: What's the story behind 911?

By KAREN YOUSO, Star Tribune

Last update: October 10, 2008 - 4:58 PM

Q Why was 911 picked as the emergency number? Is it true that it's because of the Bible, specifically the ninth chapter of Luke, in which the 11th verse has to do with healing? Also, how were 211, 311, 411, etc., chosen for use?

A The Bible is not the reason 911 is our emergency number. In the late 1960s, AT&T selected the number because it could be dialed quickly on rotary phones, was easy to find in the dark, wasn't already in use as an area code or prefix and the two numbers (9 and 1) are far apart, minimizing the chance for misdialing, said Doug Neville, a spokesman for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

The Federal Communications Commission determines how the three-digit one-one numbers are used, but they are reserved for public use:

• 211 reaches information about community services provided by the United Way to handle social and non-emergency health crises.

• 311 is for government information and is in service in some areas. In Minneapolis, for example, it connects to city information.

• 411 is telephone directory assistance.

• 511 is highway information relating to delays, construction, etc.

• 611 is used in some Minnesota communities to reach the telephone company's business office to request repair.

• 711 is the relay service for TTY-only communication (Minnesota Relay) used by the deaf, hard of hearing and mute.

• 811 is used as the test code when setting up other three-digit one-one numbers. For example, approving a new 911 system.

Fall fertilizer?

Q Is it too late to fertilize the lawn?

A No. Applying nitrogen fertilizer to lawns before winter is a good idea. Mid-October is the time to fertilize if you live in the northern part of the state. Wait until Halloween or early November if you live in the southern part. Late-season nitrogen applications are not intended to encourage growth of grass planted this fall. Rather, the plants take up the nitrogen and store it for use next spring.

Bob Mugaas, University of Minnesota Extension

Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-7032, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com.

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