911 Who, What, When ,Where, and How
Call 9-1-1 to report any emergency - Police, Fire or Medical. If you need help immediately, call 9-1-1. Don't waste time; call as soon as you think help is needed!
When to call 9-1-1...
- Car wreck
- Someone is choking on their food
- Fire of any type, house, woods or other building
- If you see a crime
- Dangerous situation such as gas leak or a power line down
- Someone is drowning
- Someone is hurt or is bleeding or is having trouble breathing
- Tornado or other severe weather damages your home
- Stroke
- Serious Burns
What Should I Say?
All you have to do is answer our questions! Stay on the phone and answer the Dispatcher's questions as calmly as you can. We will ask the following:
All you have to do is answer our questions! Stay on the phone and answer the Dispatcher's questions as calmly as you can. We will ask the following:
- The Address of the problem.
We know the address of the phone, but we want to make sure the problem is at that address. If you do not know the address, be prepared to give directions or describe your location. - We will confirm your phone number
- The type of problem.
Tell us in plain language what is happening. - Details about the problem
The Dispatcher is trained to get more information while the emergency units are responding. - If it is a medical call, we can provide you information to assist the patient prior to EMS arriving with our EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) protocols.
How to Call 911 Effectively
- Stay calm. It's important to take a deep breath and not get excited. Any situation that requires 911 is, by definition, an emergency. The dispatcher or call-taker knows that and will try to move things along quickly, but under control.
- Know the location of the emergency and the number you are calling from. This may be asked and answered a couple of times but don't get frustrated. Even though many 911 centers have enhanced capabilities -- meaning they are able to see your location on the computer screen -- they are still required to confirm the information. If for some reason you are disconnected, at least emergency crews will know where to go and how to call you back.
As the call progresses, you will hear clicking - do not hang up!
- Wait for the call-taker to ask questions, then answer clearly and calmly. If you are in danger of assault, the dispatcher or call-taker will still need you to answer quietly, mostly "yes" and "no" questions.
- If you reach a recording, listen to what it says. If the recording says your call cannot be completed, hang up and try again. If the recording says all call-takers are busy, wait! When the next call-taker or dispatcher is available to take the call, it will transfer you.
- Let the call-taker guide the conversation. He or she is typing the information into a computer and may seem to be taking forever. There's a good chance, however, that emergency services are already being sent while you are still on the line.
- Follow all directions. In some cases, the call-taker will give you directions. Listen carefully, follow each step exactly, and ask for clarification if you don't understand.
- Keep your eyes open. You may be asked to describe victims, suspects, vehicles, or other parts of the scene.
Do not hang up the call until directed to do so by the call-taker.
Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding this service, please contact .
