When To Call 911
When to call 911
Anytime you need help with an emergency.
When someone is hurt or needs medical help due to an illness such as stroke or heart attack, or needs emergency medical help of any kind.
When you see smoke or a fire of unknown origin.
When you see someone else being hurt.
When you believe a crime is being committed.
Anytime you are injured in an accident.
Anytime you need help - such as disabled on the side of the highway.
When NOT to call
NEVER call 911 as a joke.
NEVER call 911 and hang up.
NEVER call 911 to ask for information.
NEVER call 911 just to see if it works.
Also note
When you call 911, you will be asked several questions concerning your emergency. Try to answer the questions the best that you can. If you need medical help, first aid or CPR, instructions will be given until help arrives.
When you call 911, don't hang up the telephone until the 911 operator instructs you to. Many times the operator will keep you on the telephone until help arrives.
If you accidentally call 911, stay on the line until the operator answers and then tell the operator that you dialed 911 by mistake.
Anytime you call 911 and hang up, the operator will attempt to call your number as it appears on the 911 screen. If the operator is unable to contact someone or the line is busy, a police officer will be dispatched to your residence to investigate and see if there is a problem. 911 hang-ups take valuable time away from the 911 operator and from the law enforcement agency responding to your residence. They could be needed to help someone else who really needs their help. So never hang up, even if you dialed 911 by mistake.
Cells Phones: Please understand if you call 911 from a cell phone we may not know your exact location unless you stay on the phone with the 911 operator. Cell phones often "ping" off cell towers and if the 911 caller does not stay on the phone long enough the 911 operator may not get a good enough "ping" from the cell phone to know the location of the caller. This is why it is extremely important to stay on the phone.
Remember: Always call 911 when you have an emergency, anytime you need a police officer in an emergency situation, see a fire or smell smoke of an unknown origin, or when emergency medical help is needed.
Text-to-911: You may text 911 if you are in a situation in which you are unable to speak. However, calling 911 is always best. When texting just remember to give your name, location and the nature of your emergency. DO NOT TEXT AND DRIVE.
