What should I do when I call 911?

When you call 911 an operator will answer stating "911 Police Fire or Medical Emergency" asking which emergency service you need.  Depending on the service you need and the jurisdiction you are in, you may be asked to hold while the dispatcher transfers your call to the appropriate emergency service covering your area. When you call 911 be prepared to:

  • Tell the 911 operator what you need; ambulance, fire department or police department.
  • Be as calm as you can. When a caller is upset, it is hard to understand what he or she is saying or to get vital information quickly.
  • Stay on the phone.Do not hang up until directed to hang up.
  • Give your name and address and when traveling or away from home on a cell phone always be aware of where you are "next to the brown house across from the yellow one" won't help. 
  • If your address is different from the location of the emergency, be sure to let the operator know.
  • In case of a police emergency, if possible, give the operator the suspects description, weapons, vehicles (license number) direction of travel away from the scene and anything else that may help description and license.

Show All Answers

1. When should I call 911?
2. Why should I call 911 when I have an emergency?
3. What should I do when I call 911?
4. When my house or business alarm activates are the police required to respond?
5. Do I have any responsibilities as an alarm owner?
6. Does my alarm company have any responsibilities?
7. Is there a fine for false alarms and how many before a fine is assessed?
8. What's the difference between a criminal incident report and an accident report?
9. How do I file a police Criminal Incident report?
10. When do I file a Police Criminal Incident Report?
11. How do I get a copy of a Criminal Incident Report?
12. What information will I need to obtain a copy of a Criminal Incident Report?
13. I filed a Criminal Incident report and nobody has contacted me?
14. Will someone be assigned to investigate my Criminal Incident report?
15. I found more stuff missing / more information / need to clarify the report, how do I get that added?
16. I don't want my report in the paper?
17. I heard there was some stolen property recovered how do I find out if it's mine?
18. What is the difference between an accident and a private property accident?
19. When is an accident report required?
20. When is a private property accident required?
21. What kind of information will I need to obtain an accident report?
22. How do I get a copy of my accident report?
23. I was involved in an accident the other party showed proof of insurance now I found out it was cancelled what can I do?
24. I don't agree with the accident report or I have more witnesses what can I do?
25. How long does it take to have a warrant issued for someone's arrest?
26. How will I know if a warrant has been issued?
27. How long will it take before the warrant is served?
28. I've decided I don't want to press charges anymore what do I do?
29. I forgot to pay a ticket how can I find out if a warrant was issued for my arrest?
30. How can I find out if someones in jail?
31. How can I find out about my community service or fine balance?
32. How do I get a "No Contact Order"
33. How do I get an "Order of Protection"
34. How do I get a "Restraining Order"
35. What is the difference between an "Order of Protection" a "Restraining Order" and a "No Contact Order"