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9-1-1 FAQ's
What is 9-1-1?
9-1-1 is the number you call call to get help in a police/sheriff, fire or medical
emergency. A 9-1-1 call goes over dedicated phone lines to the 9-1-1 center
closest to the caller and trained Telecommunicators send the emergency
help where it is needed.
What is Enhanced 9-1-1?
Enhanced 9-1-1 or E9-1-1 is a system which routes an emergency call to
the 9-1-1 center closest to the caller, and automatically displays the callers
address and phone number. The 9-1-1 Telecommunicator will typically ask
the caller to verify the address and phone number.
Who pays for 9-1-1?
Each household or business that has telephone service pays a small fee
for 9-1-1 service on each telephone line that appears on their phone bill.
There is no per-call charge for calling 9-1-1. The current fee for
all telephone lines is $.70.
When should you use 9-1-1?
9-1-1 is only to be used in emergency situations. An emergency is any
situation that requires immediate repsonse from police/sheriff, fire,
or ems. If you are ever in doubt of whether a situation is an emergency,
call should call 9-1-1. It is better to be safe.
Do not call 9-1-1:
For information
For directions
For directory assistance
When you're bored and just want to talk
For your pet
As a joke
If you call 9-1-1 by mistake, do not hang up. Tell the Telecommunicator
what happened so they know there really isn't an emergency.
What about 9-1-1 prank calls?
It is a prank call when someone calls 9-1-1 as a joke, or calls
9-1-1 and hangs up. Prank calls not only waste time and money,
but can also be dangerous. If 9-1-1 lines are busy with prank calls,
then someone with a real emergency may not be able to get the
help they need. In most places, it is against the law to make prank
9-1-1 calls.
How do you make a 9-1-1 call?
In an emergency, dial 9-1-1 on your phone. It is a free call. You can
use any kind of phone: push button, rotary, cellular/wireless, cordeless,
or a pay phone.
Stay calm and state your emergency.
Speak loudly and clearly. Give the 9-1-1 Telecommunicator your name,
phone number and address of the emergency.
Answer the Telecommunicators questions. Stay on the telephone
if it is safe to do so and don't hang up until the Telecommunicator
tells you to.
What if a 9-1-1 callerd doesn't speak English?
When necessary, a 9-1-1 Telecommunicator can add an interpreter
from an outside service to the line. A non-English speaking caller
may hear s short conversation in English and some clicking sounds
as the interpreter is added to the line. Do not hang up.
What if a 9-1-1 caller is Deaf, or hearing/speech impaired?
Communications centers that answer 9-1-1 calls have special
text telephones for responding to 9-1-1 calls from Deaf, or
hearing/speech impaired.
If a callers uses a TTY (teletype) or TDD (Telecommunications
device for the deaf), the caller should:
*Stay calm, place the phone in the receiver in the TTY/TDD
and dial 9-1-1
*After the call is answered, press the TTY/TDD keys several
times. This may help shorten the time necessary to
respond to the call.
*Give the Telecommunicator time to connect their TTY/TDD.
If necessary, press the TTY/TDD keys again. The 9-1-1
Telecommunicator should answer and type "GA" got
Go Ahead.
*Tell what the emergency is. Give your name, address and
phone number.
*Stay on the telephone if it safe. Answer the Telecommunicators
questions.
If a Deaf or hearing/speech impaired caller doesn't have a TTY/TDD
the caller should:
Call 9-11 and DON'T HANG UP. Not hanging up leaves the line open.
With most 9-1-1 calls, the caller's address is displayed on the
Telecommunicators screen and help will be sent.
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