ABERDEEN, S.D. (Brown County Emergency Management Press Release) – COVID-19 has changed daily functions and routines for all of us. The Brown County Communications Center (BCCC) (our local 9-1-1 answering point) is following guidelines from the CDC and the S.D. Dept. of Health to modify their operations to include new criteria.

When placing an emergency call to 911, or a non-emergency call to 626-7911, please be prepared to answer the following questions:

– Does anyone present (in your household) have a fever, cough, sore throat, or been experiencing shortness of breath?
o “Anyone present” may include people who live in your house or are there visiting.
If you answer yes to any of these, you may be asked additional screening questions;
– Have you traveled recently?
– Have you been in contact with anyone experiencing the same symptoms?
– How long have you had these symptoms?

These questions are both necessary and critical to keep our public safety operators / dispatchers healthy. With this information, BCCC is able to notify first responders of the proper level of personal protection equipment needed on scene.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.