Emergency Dial 9-1-1

What everyone should know about 9-1-1.

When to call 9-1-1

  • You smell smoke or see a fire.
  • You witness or are the victim of a crime.
  • You witness or are involved in a serious accident.
  • There is an emergency illness or suspected poisoning.
  • When a child, senior citizen, or handicapped person is lost, confused, frightened, or needs special assistance.
  • There is a situation that is potentially dangerous and you are not sure who to call.

When Calling 9-1-1 Remember To Give The Following

  • The phone number you are calling from.
  • Your name.
  • Your address.
  • What your problem is.

Tips For Calling 9-1-1

  • Remain calm.
  • Speak clearly and briefly state the reason you are calling. Be ready to give the phone number you are calling from, as well as your name.
  • Know the exact location of the emergency. Point out any special landmarks, or information that could assist emergency personnel in finding you faster.
  • Let the emergency dispatcher lead the conversation. They need to get as much information as they can to help you in the best possible way.
  • Stay on the line until the emergency dispatcher tells you they have all the information they need. If it is not safe for you to remain on the line, tell the dispatcher immediately.

What To Do If There Is A Fire In Your Home

  • Do not call 9-1-1 from your home phone. Crawl low under smoke and get out of the house, then call 9-1-1 from a cell phone or neighbor's house.

Know When You Need An Ambulance

  • If you are unsure or if you answer yes to any of the following questions, it is best to call 9-1-1 for an ambulance.
  • Could driving yourself cause a delay in getting to the hospital? Think about rush hour, traffic jams, and distance to the hospital.
  • Is the victim's condition life threatening or could it become life threatening on the way to the hospital?
  • Are the skills of a paramedic needed?

Did You Know

  • You can call 9-1-1 from a cell phone, even if you do not have a service plan? This could be a life saver, but remember not to let children use old cell phones as toys.

If You Accidentally Dial 9-1-1

  • If you misdial and call 9-1-1 by mistake, do not hang up. Wait until the call is answered and quickly explain that you misdialed. If you hang up, the emergency dispatcher will try to call you back and if they don't reach you, they will dispatch emergency personnel.

Children And 9-1-1

  • Teach children when it is okay to call 9-1-1 and when it is not. Remind them that calling 9-1-1 when there is not an emergency could keep help from getting to someone who is truly in trouble.