Call 911 immediately if you see or experience:
A fire or smell of smoke / A medical emergency / A crime in progress / A serious accident or hazardous situation / Any situation where life, health, or property is at immediate risk
If you’re unsure—call. Dispatchers are trained to help determine the level of emergency.
How to Call 911 Effectively
1. Stay Calm
Take a deep breath.
Speak clearly and remain as calm as possible so the dispatcher can understand you.
2. Know Your Location
Location is the most important information you can provide.
Be prepared to give:
Street address / Apartment or Suite number / City or township / Landmarks (near a school, store, intersection, etc.)
If you’re calling from a cell phone, your exact address helps responders reach you faster.
3. Describe the Emergency Clearly
Tell the dispatcher what is happening right now.
Examples:
“Someone is not breathing.”
“There is a fire in the kitchen.”
“There’s been a car accident with injuries.”
4. Answer All Questions
The dispatcher will ask specific questions to determine the right response.
These questions do not delay help.
Units are being sent while you are talking.
5. Follow The Dispatcher’s Instruction
You may receive lifesaving instructions such as:
– CPR guidance
– How to stop bleeding
– How to stay safe until responders arrive
Listen carefully and follow step-by-step.
6. Don’t Hang Up Until Told To
Stay on the line so the dispatcher can:
– Gather any additional details
– Update responding crews
– Continue providing instructions
7. Don’t Hang Up Until Told To
Before responders arrive:
– Gather any additional details
– Update responding crews
– Continue providing instructions
8. If You Accidentally Dial 911
Do not hang up.
Stay on the line and tell the dispatcher it was a mistake.
Hanging up may result in a callback or a police response.
Help Us Help You
Clear communication and staying calm during a 911 call can drastically improve emergency response times and outcomes. Your cooperation ensures that help reaches you or your loved ones as quickly and safely as possible.