SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Changes are coming to the way people make phone calls in three area codes in our region, and those changes could be a matter of life and death for some starting Sunday, October 24.
No longer will you be able to make a local call by dialing just seven digits in the 856 and 908 area codes in New Jersey and 302 in Delaware.
"The change only applies to homes and businesses using landlines," said New Jersey Public Utilities Board President Joseph Fiordaliso.
Calls made after October 24 will not go through with seven digits and callers will hear a recorded message informing them that they can't complete the call as dialed.
This is an especially important change to note for people with automatic dialing health monitoring systems, home security systems, security gates, and speed dial contact lists. If an emergency number is pre-programmed, you'll want to make sure it's entered correctly so the call is delivered in potentially critical moments of life and death.
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"Folks should check with their providers if any of these relate to them to see if reprogramming is necessary. Please don't wait until you need help to find out you need a 10-digit dialing system," said Fiordaliso.
He added service providers for your medical monitors and other devices can update the numbers for you. Just give them a call.
This does not apply to cell phones, which are already required to use 10 digits.
These changes are coming because of an update to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, which will be available 24/7 by dialing 988. More information on that is available here.
Prices and rates for making a local call, coverage areas, and other related services will not change.
The 856 and 908 area codes are the final two in New Jersey to make the switch to required 10-digit calls.
Anyone with questions should contact their service providers or the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.