Important 911 Information

        911 is an emergency 3-digit telephone number that provides immediate access to Law Enforcement, Fire and Emergency Medical services. 911 is the fastest, most reliable way to get help in an emergency. When seconds count... when they literally make the difference between life and death, this easy to remember 3-digit number provides immediate access to emergency personnel.

    When you dial 911 from a residential, business or coin phone your telephone number and address are immediately transmitted and displayed to 911 Operator. This information assists the 911 Operator to provide the quickest possible emergency response by determining the location of the caller reporting the emergency.

It is important to know that even though a phone number and address are automatically transmitted to the 911 Operator, sometimes due to errors in the phone company database, this information is not always correct. 911 Operators are required to verify this information by asking the caller their location and phone number. This verification process eliminates delays and helps emergency personnel reach you in a timely manner.

When you dial 911 from a cellular telephone the 911 Operator may only receive the telephone number. It is important to remember when dialing 911 from a cellular telephone the call may be routed to a PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) outside the jurisdiction or area where you are located. The 911 Operator will need to know your exact location in order to assess and select the appropriate emergency service personnel to assist you. This process may require the 911 Operator to route (transfer) your call to the appropriate PSAP who provides emergency services in your area.

Often callers will turn their cellular telephone off after making an emergency phone call. Please leave your cellular telephone "On" until you are certain emergency personnel have reached the scene. Doing this allows the 911 Operator to reach you if the need for additional information should arise.

Should you accidentally dial 911 it is important that you remain on the line and tell the Operator there is no emergency, and the call was accidental.

Parents should educate their children on the proper use of 911. You should dial 911 to report crimes in progress, fires, serious medical conditions or injury, or any hazardous situation that creates a risk of injury to persons or property that requires an immediate response of police, fire or EMS (Emergency Medical Services). When you dial 911 be prepared to provide the following information:

• The location of the emergency.
• The phone number you are calling from.
• The nature of the emergency.
• The number of persons injured or involved.

    It is important that you remain calm, speak clearly, and remain on the phone with the 911 Operator until you are instructed to hang up. The 911 Operator in order to assess the nature of your emergency, is required to ask specific questions that aid them in assessing the appropriate emergency personnel or service to assist you. Listen carefully to the questions asked by the Operator and provide as much detail as possible about your emergency. The questions the 911 Operators ask serve a very important role in helping them assess your safety, the safety of the public, and the safety of emergency personnel responding to your emergency. While you are providing the 911 Operator information about your emergency, a team of highly trained Dispatchers will simultaneously dispatch emergency personnel and equipment to assist you.

Just as it is important to know when to dial 911, it is also important to know when not to call 911. Never dial 911 to request:

• Non-Emergency Phone Numbers for law enforcement, utility companies, or other services that can be obtained by dialing directory service
  
• Information on Weather or Road Conditions
  
• To report non-emergency criminal activity such as littering, loud music or other activity that does not involve the immediate risk of injury to a person or damage to property.
  
• Non-emergency services, such as unlocks (not involving a child locked in the vehicle), civil stand-bys, or other courtesy services that do not require the immediate response of emergency personnel.
  
• To report power outages, which do not create a risk of injury or death.
  

    When people abuse 911 with requests for non-emergency services, services and emergency personnel might be delayed in responding to someone who needs assistance. Don't put lives in danger. Know when to "Make the Right Call."