What to expect when you call 9-1-1
When you call 9-1-1 for an emergency, it is important that you remain calm and prepared to answer the dispatcher's questions. Dispatchers are trained to ask questions like:
- What is happening?
- Where is the situation occurring?
- When did the incident occur?
- Who is involved?
- Were weapons involved?
- Are there injuries?
- Are you calling from a mobile device?
Sometimes it may seem the questions are unnecessary or may not make sense to you, but there are good reasons why they are asked. You can help by providing brief accurate answers. Patience will help us to process your call and get help to you as quickly as possible.
9-1-1 Language Services
9-1-1 and non-emergency operators have immediate access to translation service for just about any language spoken. In addition to these services, all operators are trained and capable of handling calls directly from TTY users and the hearing impaired community, deleting the need for a relay service.
One last important note
When calling 9-1-1, it is important that you remain on the line, even if you dial in error. If you dial in error and the call goes through and you didn't stay on the line, the dispatcher is required to send police to the computer provided location that the call came from to confirm that no emergency exists.
