Print

Enhanced 911 Information

When Do I Call 911?

        911 is designed for emergency use. Only use 911 if you have an emergency or a problem that require immediate assistance from Law Enforcement Agencies, Fire Departments, or Emergency Medical Services. Do not call regarding business questions or billing information, for this information call the non-emergency numbers listed in the phone book.

How Do I Call 911?

        To call 911 from a home phone or simple business phone, pick up the phone and dial 911. From a business (other than simple) phone obtain an outside line (usually dialing 9) then dial 911. You can call 911 from a pay phone without money, just dial 911. To call from a cellular or mobile phone press 911 (NO LOCATION INFORMATION WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE 911 DISPATCH CENTER)

What Do I Do When I Call 911?

        Remain calm and speak clearly. Tell the 911 dispatcher what the emergency is and the location of the emergency. The dispatcher will then ask you more questions. Provide the best answer you can. ALWAYS BE THE LAST TO HANGUP.

Who Can Call?

        Anyone can call. Children should be taught to call 911 for police, fire or EMS help. They should be taught that 911 is for EMERGENCY use only. The sight-impaired can use the digits, 911 on the phone or use a preprogrammed speed dial button.

Proper Uses Of 911

        911 is meant for EMERGENCIES only. Do not use 911 for directory assistance, to get telephone repair, to contact an individual (for non-emergency information) with fire, police, or EMS agencies, or for EMS billing questions. For these type of calls, look up the non-emergency number in the phone directory.

911 Emergency Examples

  • Someone breaking into your home now or one of your neighbors' homes
  • Shootings
  • Fires
  • Traffic accidents
  • Choking
  • Fights or displays of weapons
  • Any medical emergencies

Non-Emergency Examples

  • Abandoned vehicles
  • Loud parties
  • Barking dogs
  • Vandalism
  • Power outages

Some Don'ts For 911

        Never make a test call to 911. These test call occupy the dispatcher and tie up phone lines and equipment. The telephone company has designed 911 to be highly reliable, so it will work when you need it. Please keep the lines free for people who have EMERGENCIES.

        Never call 911 and hang up. If you accidentally call 911 DO NOT hang up, let the dispatcher know that you accidentally called. Enhanced 911 systems provide both the calling telephone number and the location of the telephone. Our policy on "hang up" calls is to call back and attempt to verify if there is an emergency. If verification can not be obtained, then units are sent to the address. This ensures that a person who is incapacitated can receive help without having to talk on the phone. Unfortunately, most hang up calls are false and tie up valuable manpower and equipment, which may be need elsewhere.