When should I call 911?

In an emergency, call 911 immediately from any wired or wireless phone.


An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance. Examples include:



  • A fire

  • A crime, especially if in progress

  • A car crash, especially if someone is injured

  • A medical emergency, such as someone who is unconscious, gasping for air or not breathing, experiencing an allergic reaction, having chest pain, having uncontrollable bleeding, or any other symptoms that require immediate medical attention


Important: If you’re not sure whether the situation is a true emergency, The department recommends calling 911 and letting the call-taker determine whether you need emergency help.


When you call 911, be prepared to answer the call-taker’s questions, which may include:



  • The location of the emergency, including the street address

  • The phone number you are calling from

  • The nature of the emergency

  • Details about the emergency, such as a physical description of a person who may have committed a crime, a description of any fire that may be burning, or a description of injuries or symptoms being experienced by a person having a medical emergency


Remember, the call-taker’s questions are important to get the right kind of help to you quickly.


Be prepared to follow any instructions the call-taker gives you. Call-takers are trained professionals and can tell you exactly what to do to help in an emergency until help arrives, such as providing step-by-step instructions to aid someone who is choking or needs first aid or CPR.


Finally, do not hang up until the call-taker instructs you to.


If you dial 911 by mistake, or if a child in your home dials 911 when no emergency exists, do not hang up—that could make 911 officials think that an emergency exists, and possibly send responders to your location. Instead, simply explain to the call-taker what happened.

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1. How Do I become a police officer?
2. When should I call 911?
3. How do I make an anonymous tip?
4. How do I find more information about domestic violence?
5. Where can I find more information on obtaining a concealed weapons permits?
6. What should I do if I am pulled over by the police?
7. Where is your department located?
8. Can I make a police report over the telephone?
9. Why did it take so long for the police to come when I called them last night?
10. Should I report suspicious activity in my neighborhood?
11. What can I do about speeders and other traffic violators in our neighborhood?
12. Can I get a copy of a report and how much does it cost?
13. Can police tow a junk car left on my property or in a parking lot?
14. Where do I go to pay my traffic citation?