10-digit dialing coming to 509

PASCO — A change to 10-digit dialing is coming to the 509 area code in October.

Mandatory dialing of the area code starts Oct. 24, according to the Federal Communications Commission. On that date, calls made without dialing the area code with the seven-digit phone number will not go through.

No phone numbers will change because of the directive.

In addition, safety and security equipment such as alarms and medical alert devices will need to be programmed for 10-digit calling.

People in Western Washington switched to 10-digit dialing in 2017.

The change helps insure anyone may reach the National Suicide Prevention Line using a new three-digit 988 number, launching in 2022. Dialing 988 will route calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Until the switch, the hotline may be reached at 800-273-8255.

Changes in 36 states will transition 82 area codes to 10-digit dialing to prepare for the 988 hotline.