New dialing system for 415 area code causing confusion

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- There is some confusion on how the new dialing system works for the 415 area code.

It started on Saturday when calling a 415 number is now required. Callers using a land line must dial a "1" first.

The change is to make way for the new 628 area code overlay. New numbers in the 415 area will be assigned the 628 area code next month.

The change has confused dozens of people, who called San Francisco's 911 center because they're having trouble dialing out.

"Sometimes when people are confused, they call government number and 911 is one that's easy to remember. But again the key thing to remember is 911 is for emergencies," SF city spokesperson Francis Zamora said.

Callers not dialing correctly will receive a recorded message instructing them to dial 1 plus the 415 area code and the seven-digit number.