So You’ve Ditched Your Landline? Don’t Skip This Critical Step

I finally did it. I cut the cord. I know, I know – welcome to 2008, right? But as someone who only recently parted ways with my trusty landline, I’ve discovered something that I think a lot of fellow cord-cutters might be missing.

Only about 36% of Michigan homes still have landline phones in 2024. And for us, the only calls - and I do mean ONLY calls - coming in were spam calls.

You know, "We've been trying to contact you about your car's extended warranty."

SEE ALSO: Self-Checkout is Being Quickly Phased Out by This Major Michigan Retailer 

More Than Just a Phone Number – Staying Connected in Emergencies

It turns out, ditching your family's landline isn’t just about saving a few bucks a month and freedom from telemarketers. It also comes with an important safety step that many of us may overlook – one that could make all the difference in an emergency.

When you cut the cord, you also cut the direct link between your physical address and 911 dispatchers. In a crisis, every second counts, and being able to pinpoint your address is critical for 911 operators.

Register Your Address With Your County's Smart 911 Service

All 83 counties in Michigan have access to using the Smart 911 system. Once you've registered your cell phone number and any other information you choose to submit, 911 dispatchers will have your profile information readily available when you call to report an emergency.

I spoke with Dave Plumb from Genesee County 911. He said residents are encouraged to use this link to register their numbers and other information with the system.

Additionally, you can add information about medical conditions, allergies, prescriptions, and instructions to find your home in the event of an emergency.

Ditching your landline doesn’t have to mean sacrificing safety. Take a moment to register your cell phone with your local 911 service – because in an emergency, seconds count.