Reasons to Call

911 is your emergency telephone number.  You need to know how and when to call 911 in case you ever need help.  You can reach fire, police departments and ambulance services by dialing 9-1-1.

When to call 911

There are four reasons to call 911.

• To get help for someone who is hurt or very sick.
• If you smell smoke or see a fire.
• If you see someone stealing something or hurting someone.
• If you need emergency help fast for any other reason.

REMEMBER: Don’t call 911 to ask questions or to play a joke.  This number is for emergencies only.

How to make an emergency call to 911:

• Stay calm.  Don’t get excited.  Take a deep breath.
• Dial 911 right away.  Don’t wait for someone else to call.
• Tell the person who answers the phone exactly what is wrong, like this:
  

  “… my house is on fire.”

  “… there was just a car accident in front of my house.”

  “… my Daddy is hurt – he fell off a ladder and can’t move.”

  “… I’m home alone and someone is trying to break in.”

• Tell them the exact address where the emergency is … be sure to give the FULL address, including your apartment number if you live in an apartment.
• Tell them the phone number you are calling from.  If you are not at the same address as the emergency, tell them the address where you are.
• Tell them your name.

DO NOT HANG UP …until the person on the telephone tells you to.  They may need to ask you more questions to help the fire, police or ambulance find you.  They will also tell you what to do until help arrives.