Hotline update

In order to take some of the strain off the 9-1-1 system for Hot Springs County during the upcoming solar eclipse, a special hotline number has been created for people to call with questions that are non-emergency related.

With the influx of visitors expected up to a week before the eclipse, Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Gordon thought a hotline number would be a good idea to redirect those just looking for information away from the emergency number, freeing up dispatchers to handle actual emergencies.

Of course, if there is a real emergency, folks should dial 9-1-1, however, if they are just looking for directions to an event or where to purchase propane or dump the blackwater tanks from their RV, the hotline number will be the number to call.

The hotline will be set up at the firehall with dedicated lines provided through the IT department of the county. There will be one central number with the capability to “roll over” to the next line if more than one call comes in.

Along with the ability to use more than one line at a time, the system will allow those answering the hotline to transfer a call over to 9-1-1 if appropriate.

Gordon said they are still looking for volunteers to man the hotline. It will be in service starting on Thursday, Aug. 17 at noon and be open from 8 a.m. til 8 p.m. the remaining days of the weekend, closing operations on Monday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m.

A series of possible questions along with the answers is being generated, so every volunteer will have the answers right at their fingertips when a caller is on the line. Of course, there will be someone there for assistance if a question comes up that is not covered on the script.

If you are interested in volunteering to man the hotline, please contact Meri Ann Rush at the Chamber of Commerce, 864-3192. Volunteers will only work four hours at a time.

A training for volunteers with be held on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 1 p.m. at the firehall.