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.