Kari’s Law and Ray Baum’s Act

If you are not already aware of what Kari’s law and Ray Baum act means, then continue reading this article. The history regarding how Kari’s law came into effect is both a triumph and a tragedy. In 2016, Kari Hunt Dunn, after which the law has been named, died in a hotel room. When her daughter present inside the room tried to call 9-1-1 several times, she couldn’t reach any help as the hotel’s telephone system required the guests to press 9 before any outgoing calls.

Kari’s father, Hank Hunt, led a nationwide movement to ensure no one will ever again experience such a grievance like Kari’s daughter did that day. This movement resulted in the passing of Kari’s law unanimously.

Kari’s Law Mission

The rules under the law make it easier for people inside office buildings, hotels and campuses to reach 9-1-1 during emergencies. In addition to this, the law also requires that when a person makes a 9-1-1 call from a business/enterprise communication system, the security office, front desk or relevant personnel must be informed. Such notification to the relevant personnel will help in speeding the response time, as and when the emergency personnel arrives.

Apart from this, the law requires that any MLTS (Multi-line Telephone Systems), allow people/callers to reach 9-1-1 without the need of dialing any prefix, such as 9, for an outside number first. Since February 16, 2020, when this law came into effect officially, businesses are obligated to ensure that their system does not hinder the person’s need of reaching 9-1-1.

Ray Baum’s Act

The Ray Baum Act, which was signed into law in 2018, focuses on the importance of sharing precise location when a person makes a 9-1-1 call. In addition to direct dialing and notifications requirements of Kari’s Law, precise information about location can be invaluable to emergency personnel in locating callers and therefore increasing the chances of better emergency outcomes.

The section 506 of the Ray Baum’s Act states that, apart from the dispatchable information such as a street address, information about building name, floor, room or other relevant information can best assist emergency personnel in offering help.

For more information about Kari’s Law and Ray Baum’s Act, check out the whole FCC document right here (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-353961A1.pdf)