During an emergency, the last thing anyone wants to experience is issues connecting to first responders. That’s why a 911 call feels like one of the few things a phone should always go through, even if everything else isn’t working.
But is a standard 911 call on a mobile device always available, even if it isn’t connected to Wi-Fi, an active cellular plan, or its usual carrier’s network? Unfortunately, no.
Learn how phones reach 911 without regular service, when Wi-Fi matters if making a call, and what can keep an emergency call from connecting.
Will a 911 Call Always Go Through?
No, a 911 call isn’t guaranteed to work. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandates wireless providers transmit 911 calls regardless of whether the caller subscribes to their service. But in order for the call to go through, the device needs to be connected to a compatible cellular network.
If you can’t connect to your usual carrier you may be able to use another available network. A phone without active service may have limitations, like not providing the 911 center with the caller’s location, and a dispatcher might not be able to call back if the call is dropped. That’s one reason dispatchers might ask for a good callback number.
A 911 call from a cell phone usually doesn’t need Wi-Fi. If cell service is weak or unavailable, some phones can use Wi-Fi calling instead and may switch between the two automatically.
When a 911 Call Fails and What to Do
A 911 call may not go through if the phone can’t get enough cell signal. That can happen in remote areas, underground, or inside buildings and parking garages where reception is spotty. Mountains and other terrain can also get in the way. A service outage or problem with the phone itself could cause issues, too.
If a call doesn’t connect, the caller can try moving to a different spot or using another phone. Wi-Fi calling may work if it’s available. Some areas also allow people to text 911, although the National 911 Program recommends calling whenever possible.
Never call 911 just to see if a phone works, which will interrupt dispatchers from assisting with real emergencies. Anyone who wants to test a device can contact the local 911 center through its non-emergency number first and arrange a test call.
Most people will hopefully never run into this problem, but there isn’t one answer that applies everywhere. Coverage, phones, carriers, and local 911 systems can all vary. Anyone concerned about a particular phone or location can check with the carrier or local 911 authority ahead of time.
Flock cameras are on people’s minds lately, and not in a good way. On July 25, The Guardian reported on 33 acts of vandalism against the cameras in 23 states, and on July 30, CNN had similar reporting, describing vandals as people who believe the increasingly ubiquitous Flock camera is a surveillance camera that violates people’s privacy.
The reason behind the controversy is no mystery, says security expert Aimee Simpson: “Ostensibly, these cameras are to track stolen vehicles. But by having them constantly recording and capturing data from cars that pass by them, they build up a perfect record of all the car movements across a general area.” Because they record license plate numbers, they can also track vehicle owners’ movements.
This post briefly explores what Flock cameras are, why more and more of them are appearing in city streets, and why and how activists are mobilizing against them.
What is a Flock Camera?
When I first heard the term Flock camera, I thought of a surveillance camera that observed people en masse — as in flocks — but that’s not what the term means at all, although it may not be far off.
A Flock camera is an automated license plate reader (ALPR) manufactured by the American company Flock Safety. It’s designed to capture and store information about every car that passes in front of it — primarily the license plate number, but also the make, model, color and condition of the vehicle. According to Flock, it does not use facial recognition to capture data about occupants, nor can it determine how many occupants are in the vehicle. That’s comforting, but it doesn’t have to do those things to supply troves of personal information to anyone with access to the data it does store.
An individual Flock camera is typically mounted on a pole next to a roadway, with an adjoining solar panel to supply power. I’s part of network that collects data from all the cameras connected to it in a central database. “From a data perspective,” says Simpson, “a record of these cameras could map out someone’s entire life. When they go to work, the route they take, if they go to the gym, what supermarket they go to, where their friends live, etc.” In other words, while a Flock camera may not be marketed as a surveillance camera, it can definitely act like one depending on who’s looking at the data.
Why Communities Are Installing Them
According to Flock, its cameras are crime-fighting tools that authorities can use to track stolen vehicles and vehicles involved in criminal acts. According to Berkeleyside, a community publication in Berkeley, California, there are 52 Flock cameras installed throughout the city, and the Berkeley Police Department says they are a valuable tool for its chronically understaffed force.
In Berkeley, Flock cameras have led to arrests for such crimes as commercial burglary, homicide and sexual assault. The jury is still out on whether they have any general effect on crime rates, but a study conducted in Dallas suggests that they do make arrests more likely for crimes committed near the cameras.
The Privacy Concerns Driving Opposition
It’s unsettling enough to have a record of your daily movements stored by the police department and other legitimate authorities, but what if that information leaks? “If Flock aggregates this data, it could be extremely valuable in the wrong hands, both making Flock a target for hackers and for third-party agencies trying to buy data,” says Simpson.
Flock data can also be misused. According to the Guardian, police offices have used it to track cars for personal reasons, and some have used it to find people with identifying traits that the cameras can see, such as tattoos, clothing or racial features. Moreover, ICE has been known to use Flock data to track the movements of immigrants it seeks to deport, using a heat map generated by the cameras. An investigation conducted by the American Civil Liberties Union found that the company hasn’t been straightforward about this particular feature, or ICE’s use of it.
Anti-Camera Activism
Activists across the country who claim that a Flock camera is actually a surveillance camera have resorted to a number of actions, including cutting the cameras down with saws, throwing paint on them or blocking the lens with tape. The Guardian states that, as of the date of publication of its story, there have been 33 such incidents in 23 states. A pair of vigilantes have disabled several cameras all by themselves.
Blowback is also felt at the municipal and federal levels. According to DeFlock, a grassroots project that maps the locations of ALPRs across the country, 97 communities have deactivated Flock cameras or canceled or rejected contracts with the company to deploy them. People can use DeFlock to view a map of 115,000 ALPRs across the country and to look up potentially harmful information about themselves. In July, Texas Congressman Keith Self introduced legislation that would require a warrant before law enforcement could access data from Flock cameras.
FAQ
How long is Flock camera data stored?
According to cybersecurity expert Amy Mortlock, the default retention period of flock cameras is 30 days, after which the data is deleted (unless a customer’s policy or local law requires a different setting). “Now,” she says, “the real question is not simply how long data is stored, but who can search it, have access to it, and what safeguards are in place.”
Are Flock cameras the same as red-light cameras?
“Flock cameras are not red-light cameras,” states injury lawyer Mohammed Shariff. Red-light cameras enforce certain traffic violations, he says, whereas Flock cameras fulfill more investigative purposes by matching license plates and vehicle characteristics with vehicles associated with reported crimes. “I would ask that communities weigh the potential public safety benefits and accountability in terms of how this information is collected, accessed, retained and used,” he adds.
About the Experts
Aimee Simpson has years of experience in the security industry. She is the Director of Product Marketing at Huntress, where she oversees its Managed ITDR and Managed SAT solutions.
Amy Mortlock has over 15 years’ experience in cyber security. She is Vice President of Marketing at ShadowDragon.
Mohammed Shariff is the founding attorney of The Shariff Law Firm, where he focuses exclusively on Texas personal injury litigation.
Redistricting. It’s a term you’ve probably heard a lot recently in the news, on social media, from your local elected officials, and from friends and family. But what exactly is redistricting, and how do you know if you’re impacted?
Even with your home in the same location and your zip code or address unchanged, you can still end up in a different district. This can change which races appear on your ballot.
Registered voters can confirm their current districts with a few official records, which is important to verify ahead of an election. Learn how to tell whether you’ve been included in redistricting and where to find the most reliable information.
How Redistricting Can Affect Your Home and How To Check
What is redistricting, exactly? It’s the change of boundaries used to determine which will be assigned to certain electoral districts. Depending on the changes made during redistricting, your residence may move into a different congressional, state legislative, or local district despite any other changes to the home itself.
That means different measures and candidates will appear on the voter’s ballot. USAGov recommends checking the assigned polling place prior to the day of an election. This should be done regardless if you are in the same or a new district. Some voters might receive mailed updated voter information cards or notices, but voters shouldn’t rely on receiving a notice before checking for themselves.
How To Confirm Your Ballot and Get Help
Your state or local election authority should have an online tool available to confirm your exact district. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission provides links to each state’s election office, including tools for checking registration and finding local election officials. You should definitely check if you’ve moved to a new state.
You’ll need to confirm what your residential address is, and may need to enter some personal information to verify your identity. There you should be able to find your precinct, polling place, and current voting districts. If any information is missing or looks incorrect you can check with your state, county, or municipality’s election offices.
For congressional districts, the U.S. House of Representatives also offers a ZIP code lookup tool.
An official sample ballot offers another way to confirm what voters should expect before Election Day. USAGov explains that states may provide sample ballots online or send them directly to voters. USAGov maintains a directory of state and local election offices for voters who need help confirming registration or voting information.
Verifying those details before Election Day can help prevent unexpected changes to a district, ballot, or polling place.
Turns out, rulers aren’t as straightforward as you might expect. While the handy measuring tool dates back thousands of years, the way they’re designed hasn’t always been the same.
In fact, have you ever noticed that the zero mark doesn’t always line up with the ruler’s physical edge? Instead, there’s a small gap before where you’d start measuring. Nope, it’s not a manufacturing flaw. So, why does it exist?
Learn why some rulers have that extra space and how to measure correctly when zero doesn’t start at the edge.
Why Some Rulers Have a Gap Before Zero
The gap at the end of the ruler is used to separate its edge from the point where its measurement scale begins. That gap serves several purposes.
Firstly, it protects the ruler’s accuracy as it ages, ensuring the measuring section remains precise. Because the end, particularly on wood and plastic rulers, is vulnerable to chips, dents, and other types of wear, a consistent starting point is critical to measure accurately. Moving the measuring starting slightly inward keeps it protected.
Also, the gap gives manufacturers room at the end of the ruler without making the cut or molded edge part of the calibrated scale. Small variations at the outer edge won’t affect the location of zero or the spacing between the markings.
The gap also provides a useful visual cue, especially for children learning how rulers work. Stanford’s DREME Teaching Resources says that understanding the starting point plays an important role in children’s learning of measurement.
Why doesn’t every ruler have a gap?
Rulers with an edge-to-edge scale aren’t inherently unreliable. Some precision rules place graduations at or near the end, while others have specialized scales around zero. Some also come with a keyhole. So if you’re ruler shopping and see a few different options, don’t be surprised.
How to Measure With a Ruler That Starts After the Edge
One downside to this design is that you won’t be able to start measuring by lining your ruler up with the edge of the object. Instead, the measurement will have to start at the zero line rather than at the ruler’s physical end to get an accurate reading.
When measuring, place one end of the object directly against zero, keep the ruler straight alongside it, and read the mark where the opposite end lands. The measurement comes from the distance between those two points, not from the ruler’s physical edge.
Most drivers don’t give much thought to traffic lights other than noticing when the light changes from green to yellow to red and back again. But if you look closely, you’ll notice some pretty interesting and intentional design choices.
For instance, some feature a series of black lines running across the lens. Nope, those lines aren’t cracks, decorative covers, shadows, or burned-out lights. They’re actually louvers.
Learn what those black lines, actually louvers used on Dallas Display traffic signals, are designed to do, and what drivers should do when they encounter them.
What Do Dallas Display Lines on Traffic Lights Mean?
Those narrow slats sit over certain traffic signal lenses and work a little like window blinds. Depending on where a driver is positioned, the louvers can block the light from view.
On traditional Dallas Displays, traffic engineers used them over the circular green and yellow lights on a separate left-turn signal. Drivers in the left-turn lane could see the signal, while someone in a neighboring through lane might only see a dark lens or black lines running across it.
There was a good reason for that. If drivers going straight could clearly see a green or yellow light meant only for left-turning traffic, they could mistake it for their own signal.
The Dallas Display was also part of a signal setup that addressed something traffic engineers call the “yellow trap.” This can happen when a driver waiting to turn left sees their signal change and assumes oncoming traffic is stopping too, even though opposing vehicles still have a green light.
As for the name, it really does come from Dallas. Traffic engineers in Dallas County, Texas, developed the Dallas Display as a way to handle intersections where drivers could make both protected and permissive left turns.
Spotting the louvers doesn’t require drivers to change anything they’re doing. They should keep watching the signal that controls their lane. If another traffic light looks striped, dark, or strangely hard to see, it may simply be intended for drivers in a different lane.
Why Aren’t Dallas Display Traffic Lights Used Everywhere?
The concept makes a lot of sense, right? So, why aren’t they installed on all traffic lights nationwide?
For one, traffic signal designs have changed. Dallas Displays were one solution for handling protected and permissive left turns, but they aren’t the only option.
Flashing yellow arrows have become a more familiar way to handle the same type of turn. When drivers see one, they can make the left turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Research cited by the Federal Highway Administration found that drivers generally understood flashing yellow arrows better than several older protected-permissive left-turn displays.
There are drawbacks to louvers, too. While the current Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices still allows engineers to restrict the visibility of a signal when necessary, it notes that louvers reduce the amount of light coming from the signal. Other equipment can sometimes direct the light where it needs to go without blocking as much of it.
So those black lines aren’t damaged or an odd feature left over from the traffic light’s manufacture. They’re there so certain drivers can see the signal while others can’t, which is exactly what they’re supposed to do.
There are a few reasons why you might consider going to another state to buy a vehicle, especially if you leave near a border. Maybe you want to get a savings on sales tax, or there’s a dealership somewhere else with a car you’ve had your eye on. Whatever the reason, there are a few things you should consider first.
Purchasing the vehicle might be straightforward, but the paperwork follows the rules of the state where the buyer lives, not necessarily the state where the sale occurs. And not knowing what you’re doing can make the experience costly and confusing.
Understand Your Home State’s Rules Before You Buy
Before contacting a seller, buyers should review their home state’s motor vehicle requirements. Some states require a vehicle identification number inspection, emissions testing, proof of insurance, or additional paperwork before issuing a title and registration. Registration deadlines will also vary.
You might think you’re sneaky going across a state line to avoid sales tax. But in many cases, buyers are taxed when they register the vehicle in their home state. That will either be collected by the dealer and paid on the buyer’s behalf, or the buyer will pay it directly.
Even if the vehicle passed inspection in the selling state, it may still need another inspection in its new state. Safety and emissions programs differ by state, sometimes even by county. California, for example, requires vehicles registered in the state to meet its emissions requirements.
Some states require that new vehicles undergo an inspection after they enter the state.
Prepare Before Taking Possession of the Vehicle
As is the case when purchasing any new vehicle, buyers going across state lines will need to contact their insurance provider to get coverage before driving it home. Also needed are valid insurance and any required temporary tags or transit permits. Those may come from the selling state, the dealer, or the buyer’s home state, depending on where you live and where you purchased the vehicle.
Ensure the vehicle you plan to purchase will pass inspections and regulations for your home state. Otherwise, you could be making an expensive mistake.
Several configurations, colors, sizes and materials to choose from
No off-gassing smell
Back cushions have built-in support that keeps them in place
Sits directly on the floor, so toys and dirt won't accumulate underneath
Cons:
Back cushions are not as fluffy as our tester desired
The backrest is low, which some may not like
Boxes arrived in two separate shipments, on two separate days
May be too firm for some
“I was pleasantly surprised by the 104-inch Ovios Boneless Couch,” says Shopping Editor Emily Way. “While the armrests aren’t configurable, its modular design can be arranged as an L-shaped sectional, straight sofa or bed-like lounge.”
The couch, made with foam, springs and plush gray fabric, arrived in two separate shipments. Unboxing required cutting open two tightly wrapped plastic cylinders that quickly expanded, so we recommend clearing plenty of space first.
Given that this is a boneless couch that costs less than a quarter of Way’s favorite Albany Park sofa, her expectations were initially low. However, she was pleasantly surprised with the overall quality.
Assembly took just a few minutes and involved connecting the two sections with Velcro straps and adding the cushions. The seat cushions expanded within 24 hours, while the back cushions needed extra fluffing because they’re filled with shredded memory foam. There were no off-gassing odors during unboxing and setup.
Despite its boneless design, tester Way found the sofa firm and supportive thanks to its springs, though she still wishes the back cushions were a tad fuller. “My favorite unexpected perk? The two-piece design eliminates motion transfer, making it great for co-napping,” she says.
“Overall, after testing, I recommend the Ovios as an affordable pick for a basement, playroom, guest room or first apartment,” Way says. “Though I’d likely still invest in a higher-end sofa like the Kova Pit for a main living space.”
PAUL RANKIN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
Best Low-Profile
Rove Lab Boneless Couch
Pros:
Soft performance fabric; spills bead up and wipe away easily
No noticeable off-gassing smell
Comfortable for lounging and napping
Foam immediately returns to shape upon opening
Ideal arm and back height for reclining
Includes two accent pillows
Pet hair does not cling to fabric
Simple two-piece assembly
Cons:
Foam may not fully fill out some areas
Fabric may require steaming to remove creases
Our tester noticed a large gap between the two seat sections
We tested the Rove Lab M1 Loveseat in its lightest shade of soft, suede-like performance fabric. The light upholstery is hydrophobic, so spills bead on the surface rather than soaking in. The performance fabric is a standout. Despite several spills, no stains remained, and liquids wiped away easily.
The loveseat arrived in two boxes and expanded gradually after unboxing. While it didn’t spring open dramatically, it took several days to fully expand. Even after nearly two months, some creases remained around the arms, though they smoothed easily with a steamer. The foam otherwise expanded evenly, quickly bounced back after use and showed no sagging or lasting indentations. There was also no off-gassing smell.
Setup was simple: Just zip the two sections together. However, the pieces aren’t connected at the top, so there’s a noticeable gap through which remotes and other small items can slip when the pieces aren’t fully pushed together.
“The loveseat is exceptionally comfortable,” says tester Paul Rankin. Its slightly firm, mattress-like foam provides plenty of support for sitting, lounging and napping.
Just note that this one has a very low profile. So, while it may not offer the most in back and neck support, it may be an ideal choice for a small apartment, den, office or playroom.
The Rove Lab sofa is a comfy, durable choice for lounging, naps and small spaces, but its low profile makes it better suited as a secondary sofa—or the main couch in a super compact space.
PAUL RANKIN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
Best Budget
Kingyes Boneless Couch
Pros:
Expanded fully in about 20 minutes
No lingering creases or misshapen areas
Soft faux-fur upholstery
Spills bead up and wipe away easily
No sagging after more than a month
Taller profile than some other boneless couches; resembles a traditional sofa
Excellent value for the price
Cons:
Light beige fabric may require frequent cleaning
Feels less stable with three people
Foam sinks more under heavier loads
If you can get past the hilarious brand name, this 107-inch L-shaped boneless couch from Amazon is a steal. We tested the fine-stripe beige upholstery.
The sofa expanded quickly (within about 20 minutes), and the foam filled out evenly with no lingering creases or odors. A dark smudge on the fabric wiped away easily, too.
“For such a budget-friendly sofa, the overall size and shape are impressive,” says tester Rankin. The taller back and arms give it a more traditional profile, while the soft memory-foam-like cushioning feels supportive without being too firm. After more than a month, there were no lasting impressions or sagging. “It fits naturally in the living room without looking especially small or out of place,” Rankin adds.
The soft upholstery is comfortable against bare skin, and spills bead on the surface and wipe away easily.
The 107-inch L-shape comfortably seats two or three, though it feels more stable with one or two people. With three adults, the foam compresses noticeably.
For the wallet-friendly price, this pick from Amazon delivers impressive size, comfort and easy-clean upholstery. It’s best for one or two people who want a lounging space without the price or bulk of a traditional sofa.
MARY HENN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
Best for Kids
Nugget Play Couch
Pros:
Foam is soft for play, yet firm enough to support and keep its shape
Casing is fully removable and washable
Zipper ends tuck and hide away into fabric
Multiple fun color options
Greenguard Gold Certified
CertiPUR-US-certified foam
2-year limited warranty
Cons:
Pricey
Waterproof liner sold separately
If you have young kids at home, you’re probably no stranger to the Nugget Couch, AKA the original play couch. Made entirely from CertiPUR-US-certified foam, it’s the perfect small, bouncy sofa for kids to jump on. Plus, its foldable, fully modular design allows for countless play configurations, from the base for playhouses and forts to little slides and climbable inclines.
It’s available in a range of fun, bright colors, and the casing is fully removable and washable. You can even buy separate cases to swap out colors on wash day. You can also buy a liner set made from non-toxic, waterproof material to protect your Nugget’s foam. While the purchase of a Nugget Couch comes with a complete case set, it does not include a liner.
We’ve had The Nugget in our home for a few years now, and my toddler adores it. It lives up in her playroom, where she bounces on it, lies on it and reads on it daily. I have it positioned next to her bookshelves as the perfect little piece of furniture for her reading nook. We bought it as a gift for her when she was one, and it’s seen years of play and still looks firm and intact. There are also no stains, rips or pilling. I would, without a doubt, spend my own money on this time and time again. It has been a worthwhile investment in her space, plus my husband and I love lying on it during reading time too.
Every Nugget couch is Greenguard Gold-certified and passes California’s TB-117 and has no flame-retardant chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about your kiddos playing or lying on questionable materials. Additionally, each Nugget comes with a limited two-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects.
Editor’s Note: Little ones (ages 1+) should be supervised when using this product, and it is not intended for sleep. Please see the brand’s Safe and Proper Use Manual for more info.
Others We Tested
Albany Park Kova Pit: The Kova Pit often appears in searches for the “best boneless couch.” But Shopping Editor Emily Way has tested the Kova Pit in her own home for years, and while she loves the ultra-comfy sectional, “It definitely has a frame,” she says.
What to Look for When Buying a Boneless Couch
We spoke to Natalia Bassova, licensed real estate broker and owner of Resort Real Estate Inc. As an Accredited Staging Professional who has been staging and selling homes for more than 20 years, Bassova has used boneless couches to stage and photograph rooms. She pays attention to how they look when you walk in and how a piece holds up as guests come and go.
When searching for a boneless couch, here are three things she recommends keeping an eye out for:
Quality of foam: The quality of foam will affect the sofa’s ability to spring back after being depressed. “That’s the whole product. Squeeze down on the seat of the couch with force. Watch to see how quickly it bounces back. If it doesn’t bounce back, then you’ll have a saggy, ugly couch within a year,” Bassova says.
Size: “Can you really get it into the house? People often overlook this detail,” Bassova says. “Take measurements of each doorway and the smallest width of the passageway.” Make sure the couch can either be broken into modules or compressed enough to fit through the passageway.
Washability: Many boneless couches, especially those designed for kids, have removable, washable covers. And if they don’t have washable covers, Bassova says it’s worth checking whether you can choose a performance fabric that resists staining. “In the mountains, our furniture gets hit by wet gear, melting snow and guest after guest,” she says. “There’s nothing better than having a cover that you can simply zip off and toss in the washer. It may cost a bit more, but in the long run, it is worth it.”
How We Found the Best Boneless Couches
We’ve been testing couches and modular sectionals for years, and our editors record every step of the ordering, shipping and assembling process. From there, we test these couches tirelessly, using them as workstations, for hosting, as midday napping spots and—of course—for movie nights.
When we spotted the boneless couch trend earlier this year, we knew we’d have to send a few home with our editors to see what they’re actually like. Our editors had a handful of sofas-in-a-box shipped to their homes, where they unboxed, puffed up and tested each one. Often, they were pleasantly surprised by the comfort of these foam couches.
FAQ
Who makes the best boneless couch?
Rove Lab and Ovios are widely rated as top choices and are among our top picks for boneless couches. Both use high-density modular foam and performed well in our comfort testing.
Are boneless couches a good buy?
Yes, if you want a soft, lightweight, affordable sofa that’s easy to move. They’re especially well-suited for small apartments, dorms, home offices and media rooms. The trade-offs are a lower seat height, less back support and a shorter lifespan than traditional sofas.
What is the downside to a boneless couch?
The biggest drawbacks are limited back and neck support and a shorter lifespan compared with framed sofas.
How long do boneless couches last?
Most boneless couches last around 5 years, compared with 10 or more years for a well-made framed sofa.
Why You Should Trust Us
We tested every boneless couch on this list to see how it performed in our shopping editors’ and product testers’ own homes.
We ordered the boxed sofas, had them delivered, unboxed and moved them ourselves, and then used them in our homes for months. Each sofa tester recorded and shared extensive notes about their experience, evaluating factors including cost, ordering and delivery, ease of setup, quality and comfort. Some of our editors even went as far as intentionally spilling on their sofas to test the performance of the fabrics.
We also spoke with Natalia Bassova, a licensed real estate broker and owner of Resort Real Estate Inc. As an Accredited Staging Professional who has been staging and selling homes for more than 20 years, she provided valuable real-world, long-term insight into how boneless couches have performed over the years.
