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1. When should I call 911?

Emergency Situations

You should call 911 only for an emergency. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance. Examples include:

• A car crash, especially if someone is injured
• A crime, especially if in progress
• A fire
• A medical emergency, such as someone who is unconscious, gasping for air or not breathing, experiencing an allergic reaction, having chest pain, having uncontrollable bleeding, or any other symptoms that require immediate medical attention

Important: If you’re not sure whether the situation is a true emergency, we recommend calling 911 and letting the call-taker determine whether you need emergency help.

Mistakes

If you dial 911 by mistake, or if a child in your home dials 911 when no emergency exists, do not hang up—that could make the dispatcher think that an emergency exists, and possibly send responders to your location. Instead, stay on the line and simply explain to the call-taker what happened.

2. What questions might I be asked if I call the police in an emergency?

General Questions

• What is your emergency (what are you reporting)?
• What is your location? Be as specific as possible. You should also give the name of the town where you are located because 911 calls are not always answered by the municipality where they are made from.
• What number are you calling from? (This is in case the call is dropped. It is especially important if you are using a cell phone)

Medical

If you are reporting a medical emergency, the dispatcher will ask you questions regarding the injured or sick person.

Crimes

If a crime is involved, and you saw or can see a suspect, be prepared to give a description:

• Age
• Clothing description, i.e., hat/cap, jacket/coat, shirt, pants, shoes
• Color of eyes
• Hair color/length
• Height
• Other pertinent information such as scars, marks, tattoos
• Race
• Sex
• Weight

Vehicle

If a vehicle is involved, you will be asked to describe it:

• Any features that stand out, such as dents, stickers, missing parts, etc.
• Color
• How many occupants
• Last known direction of travel of suspect(s) and/or vehicle(s)
• License plate number
• Make
• Model
• Style, i.e. 2 door or 4 door, convertible
• Year