Calling 911

Calling 911 in an Emergency

When calling 911 in an emergency:

• Remain calm and speak clearly.
• Do not scream into the Phone.
• Give the complete address where you need help.
• Include an apartment number or room number if appropriate.
• Tell the 911 dispatcher what the problem is.
• Why you need help; and what type of assistance:
  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
  • Fire
  • Police
• Answer all of the dispatcher's questions.
• They may ask you certain questions to help the police, fire, or EMS units responding to your emergency.
• Give the 911 dispatcher your name and contact information if requested.

Other Considerations When Calling 911

• Do not hang up until the 911 dispatcher tells you too. If you hang up before speaking to the 911 operator, they will call you back; and you may get a visit from a Police Officer.
• If you Dial 911 by mistake, stay on the line and say, "This is not an emergency," then explain what happened.
• Please do not call to:
  • ask for general phone numbers
  • ask for road conditions
  • ask for weather information
  • report a power outage
• Call your utility service provider regarding service outages. If your power is out, use a battery-powered radio to monitor a local radio station for important weather updates. For weather and road conditions, please refer to local weather channels. For all other inquiries, ask Google.
• If you dial 911 from your cell phone, please use extreme caution, and consider pulling over to a safe area before calling; be prepared to give the dispatcher your location-including any prominent landmarks. Some cell phones do not have GPS enabled, and therefore may not show the dispatcher your current location.