What
is 9-1-1?
9-1-1
is a nationally recognized telephone number used to call the police,
the
fire department or the paramedics when help is needed immediately.
9-1-1
is a number used for emergencies. However, the definition of an
emergency
varies from person to person. The best way to judge whether or not to
dial
9-1-1 is to ask yourself -- "Do I need help immediately?". If the
answer
is yes, dial 9-1-1. If the answer
is
no, dial the non-emergency number for the agency you need to assist
you.
If there is even the slightest chance that you may need assistance
right
away, don't take a chance -- dial 9-1-1.
9-1-1 is
an easy number to remember. It is easier for children, and also easier
for the elderly to remember. 9-1-1 is
also easier to remember under stressful circumstances. Let's face it,
if
you need help now, there is no time to look up a seven-digit
number.
Even dialing 9-1-1 saves time.
9-1-1 is
also easier to use when out and about. If you're at the mall or grocery
shopping in the next town, or even if you're out for a Sunday drive,
the
number for emergency assistance is always the same. 9-1-1.
What are the
advantages
of 9-1-1?
- A quick and
easy number to remember.
- You can dial
it no matter where you are.
- If you are
calling from a regular telephone company phone (not a mobile or
cellular phone), even if you are unable to talk or your call is
disconnected, your address and phone number shows up on the 9-1-1 call-taker's screen and help
will be sent immediately. If you are calling from a mobile or
cellular phone, the call will reach our
9-1-1 call-taker, but information on
your phone number and location are only provided if your handset and
the cellular phone company that provides your service has the ability
to deliver that information to our 911 center. Even on calls where we
get the telephone number and the location we will always ask the caller
these questions:
- What is
the emergency
- Where are
you calling from
- What is
the nearest cross street (intersection)
- Your name
- Your
telephone number
We ask these
questions to make sure that the information we are provided by the
phone company is accurate.