When to Call 911

911 is for police, fire or medical emergencies when immediate action is required: someone’s health, safety or property is in jeopardy or a crime is in progress. Please use 911 responsibly. Our call takers can’t provide information on the weather, power outages or municipal services. Don’t call 911 and ask for the non-emergency phone number. Those numbers are located on the front cover of your phone book, your municipality’s web page, or you can dial directory assistance to request a number.

Examples of when to call 911:

For POLICE:

• When a crime is occurring right now!  Following a suspected impaired driver, persons entering vehicles, a break and enter in progress, assaults in progress
• Immediately after a serious crime has occurred!  ie. sexual assault, robbery
• When you suspect a crime is being committed! ie. can hear screams nearby or the breaking of glass
• A serious motor vehicle accident in which there are suspected injuries

For FIRE:

• When you have fire
• When you smell or see smoke
• When you smell an unusual odor
• If you hear an explosion
• For fire alarms/smoke or carbon monoxide detectors going off

For AMBULANCE:

• When someone is seriously injured
• When someone is unconscious/not breathing
• For signs of heart attack or stroke
• For any other medical condition in which the patient needs medical attention immediately

Our 911 call takers and dispatchers are highly-trained, dedicated professionals who will get you the help you need. Please remember these tips whenever you call 911:

• Know your location at all time
• Don’t program 911 into any phone
• If you call 911 accidentally, stay on the line and let us know
• Lock and store your cellphone carefully to prevent accidental 911 calls
• Do not text or tweet 911