Lockport, NY (WBEN) Ready 716?
Residents in 82 area codes in 35 states, including 716 in Western New York, will have to start dialing area codes for every phone call, starting Sunday.
The change is being made to allow for a new suicide and mental crisis hotline to be launched next year.
Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti says what it means is "if you don't put 716 in your normal dialing, you'll get an unable to complete call message from the telephone company." He says this is because of the 998 Suicide and Mental Health Lifeline that takes effect in July 2022.
Filicetti says some called him wondering if it was just Niagara County affected. He says no. "Just a handful were wondering if I imposed it. This is a nationwide movement," explains Filicetti.
Filicetti says you won't just have to adjust your dialing habits. "If you have a home alarm system with an autodialer, make sure it has a 716, make sure your contact list, your call forward setting, fax machine has that 716," notes Filicetti.
Filicetti says one thing won't be affected. "911 and 411 are unaffected, so continue to dial those as you always have," says Filicetti.
Filicetti adds the local 24 hour hotline will remain open as well. You can call 716-285-3515 for Crisis Services in Niagara County if you need help.
