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911 Basics
When you should call:
- In an emergency
- When you need help
- When you need the police, fire department or an ambulance
How you call:
- Stay calm
- Listen for a dial tone
- On a push button phone, dial 9-1-1
What to say when the 9-1-1 dispatcher answers:
- Explain what's wrong - what type of an emergency it is.
- Explain what type of help you need - fire, police, ambulance
- Explain where help is needed
- Give you name and address loudly and clearly
- Answer all questions that are asked of you
What NOT to do when you call 9-1-1:
- Do not nod your head. Instead, answer "yes" or "no" out loud.
- Do not hang up until the dispatcher says it's OK to do so.
- When there is no emergency
- For animals
- As a game or prank
- As a joke
- To practice
DOs and DON'Ts
Listed below are some DOs and DO NOTs to follow when dialing 9-1-1:
- Never call 9-1-1 as a prank or joke. You could get into trouble, your parents could get into trouble and you could keep someone who really needs help from getting it.
- 9-1-1 is for people NOT animals. If you have a problem with a pet, you should call your veterinarian.
- When you need the police, fire department or an ambulance
- If you are not sure if you have an emergency, call 9-1-1 and explain your problem to the 9-1-1 dispatcher.
- If you call 9-1-1 by accident, please don’t hang up. When the dispatcher answers, explain that you called 9-1-1 by mistake and that you do not have an emergency.
Safety Tips
Listed below are some tips to follow when dialing 9-1-1.
- Never say "nine eleven", since there is no eleven on the telephone keypad. Always say 9-1-1.
- Always call 9-1-1 from a safe place. If there is a fire in the house, get out first, then call 9-1-1. If there is an intruder in the house, hide or get out to call 9-1-1 from a safe place.
- Know your address – have it posted near the telephone.
- Rural residents should post directions to their house.
911 for KIDS!
LIsted below are some links to sites that kids can use to help them understand what 9-1-1 is all about:
Helpful Links
Links to other Emergency Departments:
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