Valuable Tips
What is 911?
Seconds count in an emergency! When you have an emergency just dial 911. It is an easy telephone number to remember. When police, fire, or medical emergencies occur, 911 can help save precious time. Your call is answered by a trained emergency call taker who will provide you with the assistance you require. You can also dial 911 from your cellular phone. The call is toll free.
What is an Emergency?
An emergency is any situation where there are people or property at risk. Examples include fires, crimes in progress or medical emergencies.
What Are The Dangers Of 911 Prank Calls?
Prank 911 calls waste time and money and can also be dangerous. If 911 lines or responders are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency might not get the help that they need.
What Is NOT An Emergency?
It is not an emergency when the situation is not dangerous and immediate action is not necessary. Do not call 911:
- for information about school closings, road conditions, directions, etc.
- for directory assistance
- for information about paying parking tickets
- when you're bored and just want to talk
Does It Make A Difference If I Call 911 On A Cellular Phone?
Yes, when you make a 911 call from a wireless/cellular phone, communicators may not receive the phone number and address from where the call originated.
Can Someone Call 911 Who Does Not Speak English?
Yes, Our Public Safety Answering Points subscribe to the Language Line, which provides access to interpreters who speak more than 140 languages. The Language Line maintains a 24 hour communicatons center. Even when receiving a 911 call from a non-english speaking individual, help is only minutes away.
When you Make A 911 Call From A Cellular Phone You Need To Know:
Your Cellular Phone Number If you provide your cellular phone number to the 911 Communicator, the communicator will be able to reach you in case the call is disconnected, which often happens with cellular calls.
A Good Description Of Your Surroundings
It is a good idea to always know the name of the road you are traveling on, which direction you are headed and how many miles/kilometers you are from the nearest town or nearest cross street.
REMEMBER:
Many people do not have their cellular phone number memorized. Make sure you have the number written down in an easy to find location before you need to call 911. Attempt to stay calm when you are talking to a 911 communicator. Take a deep breath. Listen to and answer each question. Do not hang up after dialing 911 until the communicator tells you to do so. (Even if you did not mean to dial 911.)
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