911 should only be used in emergencies. If you are unsure if you are experiencing an emergency, it is better to be safe and call 911 and the 911 Telecommunicator can assist in determining the situation. Below are some examples of emergencies:
- Any immediate or potential threat to life or property
- Any crime in progress
- Any fire emergency
- Any medical emergency
- Fights or disturbances
- Suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities
- Vehicle accidents
- Any situation that needs a response from a law enforcement officer, fire department, or ambulance
When not to Call 911
- For Directions
- Keys locked in a vehicle
- Power outages
- For Weather Information
- For Special Event information (parades, fireworks, etc)
- As a prank
I Told You Everything I Know, Now What?
Our protocol-driven question sequence doesn’t just help us determine what resources are needed, so please stay on the line until the Telecommunicator tells you to disconnect. 911 is the first, first responder and we can provide potentially life-saving instructions while responders are on the way.