When Do I Call 9-1-1?

Call 9-1-1 for help when:

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

What Do I Say?

When the 9-1-1 operator answers, give them the following information:

1. The phone number you are calling from
2. Your name
3. Your address
4. What your problem is

Remember to remain calm, speak clearly and remain on the line to answer all of the operators questions.

What is Considered an Emergency?

"An event or occurrence demanding immediate action; or any condition endangering or thought to be endangering life or property." (From "Police Communications Guide for Dispatchers" by Alan Burton, published by Dispatch Specialists, Medford, OR, 1984.) Some state Legislators have included various definitions of "emergency" in their enabling 9-1-1 laws.

What Do I Do if There is a Fire in My Home

Do not use your telephone to call. Stay low, get out of the house immediately and call from your neighbor's or a pay phone. Remember that you can dial 9-1-1 from a pay phone for FREE.

9-1-1 Can Save Your Life!

City, township and community logs are filled with incidents where people have helped save lives and property by dialing 9-1-1. Unfortunately, there are many instances where 9-1-1 was dialed as a joke, a trivial or nuisance call. In many areas, these calls account for the majority of the report.

Remember, dialing 9-1-1 is serious and calling unnecessarily can endanger someone else's life or property when they really do need help!

What is 9-1-1?

In the event of an emergency, do you know what to do? Today in most areas throughout North America, there is a universal emergency telephone number to call... 9-1-1. This number will connect you to a central communications center where you can request assistance.

Why Was the 9-1-1 System Created?

When a person is victimized or witnesses a criminal action, the feelings of anxiety are so overwhelming that trying to look up the telephone number for the police can be an impossible task. Likewise, when a person has a sick child and does not know where to turn, or smells smoke in their home, 9-1-1 can put them in touch with people who know what to do. The universal 9-1-1 system was also created to assist children, senior citizens and those who have problems with language.

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