911 - How To Use It

Someday, when you least expect it, you might need to make the most important call of your life. Are you ready?

When should I call 911?
Dial 911 whenever you need a response from the police, sheriff, fire department or ambulance service. We are here to safeguard your health and safety. Some examples of 911 situations include:

Ø Fire
Ø Crime in progress
Ø Life-threatening situations
Ø Medicals situations
Ø Situations where personal injury has occurred or may occur

How to use 911:

1. Dial 9-1-1
2. Try to stay calm and speak slowly
3. Tell the dispatcher what is happening. For example: “ I want to report a...”, fire, car accident, heart attack, whatever the case may be.
4. Give the exact location where help is needed.
5. Answer all questions
6. DO NOT hang up until you are instructed to do so.

What if I am hearing impaired?
TDD users can access 9-1-1 directly. The dispatch center is equipped with TDD equipment, and will assist you with your emergency.

Can I call 911 from a pay phone or cell phone?
Yes. All 911 cell phone calls are free, and payphones require no coins to make a 911 call.

Attention Cell Phone Users:
Some cell phones are auto-programmed to dial 911 if the #9 key or #1 key is held for three seconds or longer, even with the keypad locked. Please handle your cell phone carefully. Don’t place anything on top of your cell phone. Refer to your cell phone owners manual for information specific to the 911 auto-dial on your phone. Check with your wireless provider to disable this function.

Cell phones which are no longer active are often donated to organizations which distribute them to potential victims to be used for the sole purpose of dialing 911 in an emergency. Often, owners of non-activated cell phones will let their children use them as a toy, not knowing that if still charged, they can dial 911.