Tips to Remember When Calling 9-1-1:
Attempt to stay calm when you are talking to 9-1-1 dispatchers. Take a deep breath. Dispatchers will verify your address and phone number. Listen to and answer each question. Do not hang up after dialing 9-1-1 until the dispatchers tell you to do so (even if you did not mean to dial 9-1-1).
When you report and emergency, the dispatcher will ask you at least five basic questions:
- Where is this happening?
- What is happening?
- When did this happen?
- Who is involved?
- How can we help you?
What information do I need to give a good description?:
In many 9-1-1 emergencies, dispatchers will ask you to describe the people and/or vehicles involved in the emergency.
When describing individuals, start at the top of the head and work your way down the individuals body.
Questions dispatchers will ask are:
- What is the presumed race and sex of he subject?
- What was the presumed height and weight of the subject?
- What is the presumed hair color?
- What was the subject(s) wearing, (Start from top of head and go down the body)?
- Did the subject(s) have a moustache, beard, accent, limp, glasses, or anything unusual that might make the subject(s) stand out? Were weapons seen?
- Color of the Vehicle
- Year of the Vehicle
- Make of the Vehicle
- Body Style (2 door/4 door, etc.)
- Additional description (dents, lights out, direction of travel, etc.)
- License plate on the Vehicle
Yes, your 911 Center is equipped with TDD/TTY equipment. Communications professionals receive extensive training in handling emergency situations utilizing this special equipment.
Can someone call 9-1-1 who does not speak English?:
Yes, your 911 Center subscribes to a telephone translation service providing access to interpreters who speak more than 140 languages and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for emergency communications services with non-English speaking callers.