Networks, systems, and methods are disclosed for handling alternate routing scenarios for emergency calls or other special number calls, such as a 9-1-1 call. In routing an emergency call, an emergency services network identifies a primary answering point (e.g., a PSAP) to handle the emergency call. If the primary answering point is not available, then the emergency services network identifies an alternate answering point to handle the emergency call, and routes the emergency call to the alternate answering point (if available). The emergency services network also identifies alternate routing information indicating a reason for routing the emergency call to the alternate answering point instead of the primary answering point, and transmits the alternate routing information to the alternate answering point for processing.