Don't be afraid to call 9-1-1!
Use 9-1-1 to stop a crime in progress, report a fire, or call for an ambulance. 9-1-1 is the right number to call in an emergency when a prompt response is needed. There could be a fight or an assault occurring right now, a fire burning, or a medical problem occurring now which could be life threatening.
The person who answers your 9-1-1 call is a trained dispatcher. They will ask you questions to determine what kind of help you need - Fire, Police, or Medical. Be prepared to state the nature of the emergency, and please answer all the questions.
Answering questions does not delay response. As they ask their questions, keep your answers as short and direct as possible.
Questions could include:
- What happened?
- What is the location?
- Where are you calling from?
- What is your name?
- What is your phone number?
While on the phone with the call taker, EMERGENCY help is being dispatched. Staying on the line, if asked to do so, will NOT delay help from responding units. If it is possible and does not compromise your safety, do not hang up the phone until the 9-1-1 call taker says it is okay to hang up.
What if I call 9-1-1 by mistake?
Please stay on the line if you call 9-1-1 by accident, and tell the dispatcher that everything is OK. If you do not stay on the line we may have to send a police officer to your home to make sure there is not a problem.
When should I use my police department's non-emergency number?
- Your house or car was broken into yesterday.
- Your runaway child has returned home.
- You need to add additional items to the burglary report you made last week.
- Your car was stolen sometime overnight.
- Someone stole your bike while you were at school.
Are there times when I shouldn't call either number?
Yes. When you need general information, or if you are making routine business inquiries, you should not use either the emergency or the non-emergency number.
Sometimes 9-1-1 call centers receive calls from someone who just doesn't know who to call, or who can't find the right phone number. People call to get directions, to obtain road or weather conditions, to report a power outage, or because they are having trouble finding a phone number in the phone book. These are not 9-1-1 calls, and they are not appropriate calls for the non-emergency number.
A quick response in an emergency depends upon each of us using the emergency system and the non-emergency number properly.
If you are experiencing any of the following, call 9-1-1 immediately!
Anaphylaxis
Bloody diarrhea
Chest pain
Coma
Confusion
Dizziness
Drug Overdose
Heart Attack
Heat Stroke
Rectal Bleeding
Shortness of Breath
Slurred Speach
Stroke
Sudden Blindness
Uncontrolled Bleeding
Uncontrolled Nose Bleed
Vomiting Blood
Weakness
Serious Burns
Bleeding That Will Not Stop
Broken Bones Visible Through the Skin
Broken Leg
