Seconds count in an emergency!  When police, fire, or medical emergencies occur, 9-1-1 can save precious time. It can mean saving a home, property, or even a life. If you need immediate help from law enforcement, fire personnel and/or emergency medical services, 9-1-1 is the most important phone number to know and use:

• Dial 9-1-1 from somewhere SAFE. If you are calling to report a fire, get out of the burning structure before you call
• Try to stay Calm
• Speak clearly
• Give the 9-1-1 operator your location using an address, cross streets, or landmarks (for example Wal-mart, McDonalds, etc.)
• Give the 9-1-1 operator your phone number
• Describe what is happening and/or what type of help is needed
  • Police/Sheriff
  • Fire Department
• Fire Department
• EMS/Ambulance
• Stay on the line, if it is safe to do so, and answer all questions
• Don’t hang up until the call is completed

If you Can’t speak

• Stay calm and dial 9-1-1
• Leave the phone line open
• If it is safe, attempt to make some sort of noise such as tapping the phone or clapping your hands to let the operator know there is an emergency
• With Enhanced 9-1-1 from a landline phone, 9-1-1 will have your address
• The 9-1-1 dispatcher can send police assistance to your address

Before you need 9-1-1

• Keep your phone at an easy to reach level, such as an end table
• Do not program 9-1-1 into speed dial; it can be inadvertently dialed
• Post your address and phone number near each phone in your home or on the refrigerator. Visitors, babysitters, and even family members may need to relay information in a stressful situation
• Make sure your address is posted and can be easily seen from the street
• Know how to use 9-1-1 with the type of phone that you own