Checklist
K-12 E911 Readiness Checklist
Use this checklist to review direct 911 dialing, on-site notification, dispatchable location, and testing.
Compliance planning
Kari's Law planning for school phone systems
Plan direct 911 dialing and internal notification so emergency calls work the way Kari's Law intends, without dialing prefixes or delays.
Quick answer
Kari's Law addresses direct 911 dialing and notification. For schools, that means any phone can dial 911 without an access code or prefix, and designated staff are notified when a 911 call is placed. This page describes planning support, not legal advice, and we build with Kari's Law requirements in mind.
The situation
What Kari's Law focuses on
Kari's Law grew out of a tragedy where dialing 911 required an extra prefix. The intent is simple, direct emergency calling.
Direct dialing
911 should connect without an access code, prefix, or extra step.
Notification
Designated staff should be notified when a 911 call is placed.
Every device
The requirement applies across phones, including softphones.
Documentation
Districts should be able to show how their system handles this.
Requirements
What a district should plan for
These are the elements that map to the intent of Kari's Law in a school setting.
- Direct 911 dialing from every device
- No access code or prefix required
- Internal notification on 911 calls
- Designated recipients for notifications
- Coverage for softphones and mobile
- Testing of the dialing and notification paths
- Documentation of the configuration
- Periodic review
Recommended approach
How to plan for Kari's Law
A structured review lets the district document direct dialing and notification.
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Confirm direct dialing
Verify every device dials 911 without a prefix.
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Define notification
Decide who is notified and how when 911 is dialed.
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Cover all devices
Include softphones and mobile apps in the plan.
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Test and document
Test the paths and keep records for review.
Related capabilities
Related pages for district phone planning
School 911 compliance
Emergency calling and dispatchable location planning.
Learn more about School 911 complianceEmergency communication
Plan direct 911 dialing, notification, and location data.
Learn more about Emergency communicationBuyers guide
What to evaluate before replacing a phone system.
Learn more about Buyers guideAll phone system solutions
See every K-12 phone system solution in one place.
Learn more about All phone system solutionsQuestions
Frequently asked questions
Straightforward answers for district technology and operations leaders evaluating a phone system replacement.
Does this mean we are compliant with Kari's Law?
We help districts plan and document direct dialing and notification with Kari's Law requirements in mind. We do not provide legal guarantees of compliance. Final decisions belong to the district and its counsel.
What does direct 911 dialing mean?
It means a caller can dial 911 without first dialing 9 or any other access code or prefix.
Who gets notified when 911 is dialed?
The district decides. Notification commonly goes to front office or security staff so they know an emergency call was placed.
Does this apply to softphones?
Yes. The plan should cover softphones and mobile apps, not just desk phones.
How is this related to RAY BAUM'S Act?
Kari's Law covers direct dialing and notification, while RAY BAUM'S Act covers dispatchable location. Both are planned together. See our RAY BAUM'S Act page.
Start with a review of your current phone system
We will look at your current setup, call flow, locations, numbers, and replacement risks so your district can plan the next step with clarity.
Questions before you request a review? Call 908-923-8241.