When to Call 911

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9-1-1 and Citizens

Facts - When should you call 9-1-1?

Nine-one-one is only to be used ONLY in emergency situations. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police/sheriff, the fire department or an ambulance. 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.

Examples of When to Call 9-1-1:

Heart attack or stroke
House fire
Domestic violence
Burglary or theft in progress
Car accidents
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
as a prank

Never Prank Call 9-1-1
It's a prank call when someone calls 9-1-1 for a joke, or calls 9-1-1 and hangs up. If 9-1-1 lines or call takers are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency may not be able to get the help they need. In most places, it's against the law to make prank 9-1-1 calls.