Call 9-1-1 during an emergency or any situation that requires immediate assistance from law enforcement personnel (police or sheriff), the Fire Department, or EMS (ambulance). If in doubt whether a situation is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
A few examples of emergencies are:
- Any known serious medical or possibly serious medical problem
- Any type of fire, chemical spill or smoke seen or smelled within in building, home or other structure
- Any life-threatening situation
- Any situation where any kind of domestic violence or assault has taken place
- Any crime against a person in progress or that has already occurred
- Any type of accident with injuries
- Shooting
- Childbirth
- Seizures
- Any leaking tank or unknown substance seen leaking from vehicles, storage tanks, etc
- Falls from any height where there is obvious injury or the victim is unconscious
- Any time someone is trapped or hurt in any kind of farming, industrial and even home-related accident
- Road hazards, drunk or careless / aggressive drivers
- Any time you are in fear for your safety or the safety of others.
There are also times when it may not be appropriate to call 9-1-1. Some examples of this are:
- To test your phone or the 9-1-1 system
- To ask for phone number information (4-1-1) or phone repairs (6-1-1)
- To find out about power outages, or school, road or other closings
- To find out if someone has been arrested or is in jail
- As a prank or a joke
- For sick or injured pets
- For the location of election / polling sites
- To complain about the service or prices in a restaurant or other business
- For directions to any location
- For tours of the 9-1-1 center or other public safety agencies.
