Community Education

What To Expect When You Call 9-1-1

It is best to use 9-1-1 from a landline when there is an emergency. That way, if you are unable to provide your address and telephone number, the dispatcher will have this information from the 9-1-1 system. The dispatcher plays a vital role in communications between the units on the road and the public. If you ever call 9-1-1, the phone operator will need to know the following information:

• Address?
• Name?
• Telephone Number?
• What is the Emergency?
• Is Anyone Injured?
• Are There any Weapons Involved?
• Suspect/Vehicle Description?
• When you call 9-1-1 you may think the dispatchers are asking you a lot of questions, but they need to know this information to pass on to the responding units. The information you provide the dispatcher will help the police or fire department find you as well as speed up the units response in finding your location, apprehending suspects or even saving a life. 

Each Communication Officer is highly trained to handle any kind of emergency and will be with you every step of the way in the event you need to call 9-1-1.
 

Text to 911

• Whenever possible, it is HIGHLY recommended that you CALL 911 for help.
• If you are unable to speak and have an emergency you can now text 911.
• Cell phones provide GENERAL locations, but not specific location information; therefore we will need you to provide the following information.
• WHERE is the emergency?
• WHAT is the emergency?
• Clearly describe what has taken place. Do NOT use texting short-cuts or slang.
• Use plain language.
• Text messages do not always transmit successfully. If you attempt to Text 9-1-1 and you are unsure if your message was successfully received please call 9-1-1.