What do I say when I call 9-1-1?

When reporting an emergency:

  • Remain calm
  • Speak clearly
  • Listen to instructions
  • Answer all questions
  • DO NOT hang up until instructed to do so by the call taker

The person answering 9-1-1 is a trained dispatcher.  They have been trained as to what questions to ask.  Be prepared to follow the dispatcher’s line of questioning (e.g. WHEN did the incident occur, WHAT is happening, WHERE the situation is occurring, WHO is involved, is a WEAPON involved, what INJURIES have been sustained, etc.).

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1. Can the center communicate with the speech/hearing-impaired?
2. Why does dispatch ask so many questions?
3. What do I say when I call 9-1-1?
4. What do I do if I call 9-1-1 by accident?
5. When should I call 9-1-1?