User's Guide to the 9-1-1 System

When Every Second Counts...CALL 9-1-1

What is 9-1-1?

           9-1-l is a three-digit telephone number that you can call 24 hours a day for police, fire, or medical emergencies.

Why 9-1-1?

It saves valuable time in an EMERGENCY. According to nationwide statistics, it can take up to 2 1/2 minutes to find your telephone directory and another 30 seconds to locate the correct number. In an EMERGENCY, 3 minutes is a long time---time that can be saved by remembering to call 9-1-1.

How does 9-1-1 Work?

When you call 9-1-1, your call is received by a trained communications operator who takes your information and will ask if you would like to stay on the line. Then, another communications operator will dispatch the appropriate police, fire, and/or medical services located in your area.

When to call 9-1-1

When police, fire and/or an ambulance response is needed.
When you see fire or smoke.
When life and/or property are in danger.
When a crime is being committed.
If you feel scared or think that someone is outside your house, that shouldn't be there.
When you feel that you or a loved one is threatened

How do I use 9-1-1?

To call 9-1-1 from a home phone or a simple business phone, pickup the phone and press
the numbers, 9-1-1.

To call 9-1-1 from a Centrex or PBX business extension, obtain an outside line (usually with "9"), and then press the numbers, 9-1-1.

To call 9-1-1from a pay phone, no money is needed; simply press the numbers 9-I-I.

To call 9-1-1from your cellular, simply dial 9-1-1, or press your emergency key. 

When talking with the operator please remember the following: Remain Calm and speak clearly. Provide the operator with the following information:

Where is the location of the emergency?

What is happening?

What is your name, address and phone number?

Please remain on the telephone to provide additional information as requested by the operator. DO NOT hang up until the operator advises you to do so.

Anyone can call 9-1-1

Children should be taught to call 9-1-1 for police, fire or medical help. The sight-impaired can use the digits, 9-1-1 on the telephone, or use a preprogrammed speed dial button. The hearing-impaired can use a TDD (Telephone device for the hearing impaired) machine.

Remember

Don't call 9-1-1 to ask questions or to play a joke. Post your address and phone number by each telephone so anyone will be able to give the vital information needed for a quick response. Your house number needs to be visible from the street and posted on both sides of your mailbox.

Updated 11/17/04