When Should You Make a Call to 911?

• If a situation arises that requires an immediate response from a Law Enforcement Agency. Examples include: acts of violence, robberies, auto accidents or hazardous road conditions.

• When there is the need for an immediate medical response due to a serious injury or a life-threatening symptom.

• Whenever fire threatens a structure or property -incidents involving hazardous chemicals.

• WHENEVER YOU'RE NOT SURE IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY OR NOT!

It is important when calling 911 to listen to what the operator or dispatcher says to you. Do not be concerned about whether or not your call is a "real" emergency.

How your call to 911 will be processed

• The 911 operator will identify himself or herself and promptly ask what the emergency is.

• The 911 operator will need the address or location of the emergency, which enables them to connect the call to the correct agency.

• Once the nature of the emergency and the address or location have been identified, the operator will advise you they are transferring you to the appropriate agency that will assist you. Stay on the line until you hear the agency answer and identify themselves.

Although you may be in an extremely stressful situation, it is very important to remain calm and stay focused on the questions you are being asked. Understand that there are some required questions that will be asked. Answering questions will not delay the response to your emergency.

All questions are asked for a purpose. Information you provide to the emergency communications center will be useful in helping to determine what type of emergency response will be sent. Information is also relayed to the responding emergency units so that they may be better prepared to handle the situation once they arrive.

*******************Cellular Tip*********************
Engage the keypad lock on your cellular phone so that it does not accidentally dial 911.