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