Reasons to call 911

Any immediate danger to life, limb, or property.

  • An injury requiring immediate medical attention

  • A fire

  • Any crime in progress

  • A serious traffic accident

 When to call other numbers

  • A crime not occurring now

  • Nuisance burning

  • Noise

  • Calls for police and fire information

  • Information on weather conditions, power outages, directions...

Call 911

  • Your neighbor's house is on fire.

  • A violent dog has attacked a person.

  • The neighbors are playing with guns.

  • A driver is dangerously swerving on the road.
     

Call Non-Emergency Line

  • Your neighbor is burning leaves or backyard debris.

  • A dog is running loose (Animal Control)

  • The neighbors are playing their music too loudly (your local Police)

When calling

  • Give all the information

  • Speak clearly

  • State which emergency service is needed (fire, police, EMS)

  • State your exact address.

  • Stay on the line until your operator tells you to disconnect.

Even if you can not speak

  • Stay calm...

  • After dialing, leave the phone hanging or make some sort of noise to let the call taker know there is an emergency

  • Your address will appear on their screen when calling from a 'land line' (a phone line, hard-wired at a business or residence).
     

Dialing on a cellular phone

  • If inside the vehicle, pull off to the side of the road.

  • Be aware that cellular calls may not always be routed to the nearest 911 center.

  • Tell the dispatcher your location, since such phones may not have address information.

  • Look for landmarks.

  • Stay on the phone until the call taker tells you to disconnect.

Tips

  • Make sure your address is visible on the outside of your house for emergency services to find it.

  • Teach your children about dialing 911.

  • Write your address out in large print and keep it near your phone. Even if you know your address perfectly, children, babysitters, or guests may not.

  • Keep the phone at an easy to reach level for kids, like on a coffee table rather than high on a wall.

  • Remember that cordless phones allow mobility.

  • Keep cellular phones locked while driving as the '9' key can be easily accidentally pressed and ring in false calls.