EXAMPLES OF WHEN TO CALL 9-1-1
When should you call 9-1-1?
Only contact 9-1-1 in an emergency situation. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police/sheriff, the fire department or emergency medical services. If you are ever in doubt of whether a situation is an emergency you should call 9-1-1. It’s better to be safe and let the 9-1-1 call taker determine if you need emergency assistance.
Medical Emergencies
Crime in progress
Structural fire
Domestic violence
Burglary or theft in progress
Car accident with life threatening injuries
Suspicious activities
Anything else that seems like an emergency!
DO NOT CALL 9-1-1
For information
When the power is out
To report a broken fire hydrant
When your water pipes burst
To get a ride for doctor’s appointment
For paying tickets
For your pet
To report potholes in the road
Tips on how to avoid unintentional calls to 9-1-1:
✅ Keep your phone securely stored when you're not using it.
✅ Lock your phone's keypad or use a screen lock feature.
✅ Avoid storing your phone in pockets or bags where buttons can get pressed accidentally.
✅ If you have a child or someone who might accidentally call 9-1-1, enable child lock or restrict access to the emergency dial feature.
✅ Be familiar with your phone settings. The "SOS" feature on your phone is a valuable tool in the event of an emergency, but it is important to understand the features and how to use it. Learn more about "SOS" here.
Help 9-1-1 Help You
- Every second counts in emergency. Don’t hesitate to contact 9-1-1 first during an emergency for police, fire or medical assistance.
- Get to a safe location before calling. If you are calling to report a fire, exit the burning building before calling.
- Stay calm and answer all questions about your emergency.
- State what help you need: police, fire or EMS/medical.
- State your address, describe your location as completely as possible using cross streets or landmarks.
- Stay on the line — do not hang up until the operator says it’s OK.