When an emergency happens dial 9-1-1 immediately, remain calm and briefly describe the incident that is taking place.
Speak clearly and be prepared to give the dispatcher specific details such as your name, location, type of emergency, telephone number, and who needs help. If you are not able to speak stay on the line, your call will be traced and an officer will be sent to your location.
The dispatcher will route your information to the police, fire department, and ambulance crew for immediate response.
Don't hang up!
Listen to the dispatchers instructions. The dispatcher is trained to ask you questions that will locate and speed the response time. You may need to leave the building or secure yourself in a room for your safety. Your assistance may also be needed to guide officers to your exact location. Hang up only when the dispatcher tells you to.
Cellular 9-1-1 calls be prepared to give description of your location. Your call may be routed out of the local area. Be aware of your surroundings, the city, town, highways and/or geographical objects to reference.
Dial 911 only for an emergency. If you dialed in error, do not hang up the telephone, stay on the line and explain to the dispatcher that you dialed by mistake and that you do not have an emergency. If you hang up a dispatcher will call back to confirm that there is no emergency. If you don't answer, a police officer must be dispatched to confirm that you are ok.
Types of Emergencies
- Fires
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Drowning
- Serious illness or injury
- Hazardous chemical spills
- Assault or immediate danger of assault
- Crime in progress
- Suicidal attempt
- Smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector alarms
