New Dialing Procedure for Texans in the 254 Area Code

Beginning April 24, 2021, anyone calling a number in the 254 area code (the area code assigned to Waco) is advised to dial all 10 digits of the phone number (area code + telephone number) for all calls, including local calls. This change is necessary to accommodate emergency calls to 988 as a new abbreviated three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Because some numbers within the 254 area code contain 988 in their prefix, the transition from seven-digit phone numbers to 10-digit phone numbers for local dialing is necessary.

Other things to note:

• Telephone numbers, including the current 254 area code, will not change. Callers will simply need to dial all 10 numbers to connect.
• The 10-digit phone number requirement will not affect dialing four-digit extensions using Baylor's campus phone system for internal calls.
• Calls made using Baylor’s campus phone system to off-campus 254 numbers will require dialing 9 + 254 + the local number.
• Calls can still be made to emergency responders by dialing 911.
• Customers are also encouraged to check numbers dialed by fax machines, home alarm and security systems, and programmed speed dial and phone contact lists, as these may be impacted as well.
• Other Texas area codes affected by the change include 361, 409, 806, 830, 915 and 940

Beginning July 16, 2022, dialing 988 will route your call to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In the meantime, customers must continue to dial 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

More information is available on the Federal Communications Commission’s fact sheet.