What is 9-1-1?

9-1-1 is an emergency telephone number that provides IMMEDIATE and direct access to FIRE, POLICE, and EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS).

When to use 9-1-1?

To help save a life, to report a fire, to report a crime IN PROGRESS.

How long should you remain on the line after 9-1-1 answers?

When the 9-1-1 dispatcher answers your call you should stay on the line to give valuable information.

You may be asked to describe the situation (i.e. what you see, what you hear, and/or what you smell). If it is a medical problem, you may be asked to describe the patient's condition and assist with life saving steps until emergency services arrive.

DON'T HANG UP! You will be directed to do so if the dispatcher feels you are in danger.

IF YOU HANG UP YOU MAY BE BREAKING YOUR ONLY LINK WITH THE HELP YOU NEED.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET HELP FROM A 9-1-1 IF A CALLER IS UNABLE TO SPEAK ENGLISH OR UNABLE TO SPEAK AT ALL?

YES. 9-1-1 has a feature that displays the address and telephone number of where the call is coming from.

What if you are calling from a pay phone?

To call 9-1-1 you need only dial the number 9-1-1. 9-1-1 calls from pay phones are FREE. If you are calling from a pay phone and the emergency is at another location, be sure to advise the 9-1-1 dispatcher.

9-1-1 is for true emergencies

Using 9-1-1 for non-emergency calls ties up the system and reduces response time