Using the 911 Emergency System

1. Using the 911 Emergency System A quick how-to guide for new users Click one of the choices below to start Using… How to… When not… More info…

2. Using 911 - Here’s the deal! • Getting help in an emergency is only a quick phone call away! • But you have to know the numbers to dial— • And you must know the rules for using the 911 System

3. Using 911 - How to Dial • Pick up the phone • Pay phones don’t require money for 911calls! • Listen for dial tone • Press or dial: • 9 • 1 • 1 Now you try it! Pick up the phone, then press the numbers on the dial pad that appears.

4. Using 911 – When NOT to Call • Nuisance complaints [barking dogs, loud music, etc.] • Street light out • Mower won't start • Garden overgrown with weeds • Kids won't pay attention • Professor doesn't show up for class More info… Re-Start

5. 911 System Information Any type of emergency: relating to an accident, a medical emergency, an injury, a fire, weather, a crime in progress, or any similar type of emergency –should be reported by dialing 9-1-1. The dispatcher will then dispatch the appropriate emergency agency. Non- emergency type calls such as loud vehicles, dog complaints, questions on burning or burning permits should be directed to a local non-emergency number. When you call 9-1-1, stay calm. State the problem plainly: “I want to report a fire…” “…a heart attack” …a burglary in progress…” State the exact location of the emergency. The 9-1-1 dispatcher will ask you a series of questions including your name and will verify the phone number and address appearing on the screen. The dispatcher will also ask questions relating to the type of the emergency you are reporting so that the information can be passed on to the responding units. Do not hang up until the dispatcher says it is OK to do so. Information you supply when calling 9-1-1 will help the responding emergency units get there quicker and be prepared to act upon arrival. Emergency units can be dispatched while you are still on the phone with the dispatcher, although this may not be evident to you at the time. When a resident dials 9-1-1, in most cases the call will be answered by a Communications Center located in a local government center. Depending on your address and phone company, a small number of calls may go to a neighboring jurisdiction. When the dispatcher answers your 9-1-1 call, the name the phone is listed to, the address, the phone number and name of the fire department, police department, and ambulance service designated to respond to your address all appear on a screen in front of the dispatcher. You can call 9-1-1 from any coin operated phone without depositing money. You can also call from a mobile or cellular phone, but because the dispatcher’s screen will not show the normal information, you will be asked specific questions to get a more exact location of the emergency you are reporting. Begin again