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Dos and Don'ts for Calling 911
By Liz

Dos
  • Call 911 for 'in progress' emergencies.  These are emergencies (and crimes) that
    are happening at that very moment or have just happened.
  • Be ready to verify you address and phone number with the dispatcher.
  • Answer all questions the dispatcher asks you.  The questions may not seem
    important to you but they will help the fire or police personnel responding to the
    emergency.  Besides your phone number and address, some questions that may be
    asked of you are:
        -What is the emergency?
        -Is the emergency occurring at the location you are calling from?  If not,
then where?
        -If the emergency involves a medical problem, you will be asked if the
victim is awake and breathing and if you know the person's medical history.
You may be given instructions to help the victim, if possible.
  • If the emergency involves a crime, give a full description of the suspects, the suspect
    vehicle, and any weapons if you saw them.
  • Try to remain calm!  If it is safe to do so, the dispatcher will stay on the phone with
    you until emergency personnel arrive.

Don'ts
  • Don't hang up until the dispatcher tells you to do so.  Sometimes the dispatcher will
    want you to remain on the phone until the emergency personnel arrive.
  • Don't call 911 for past incidents or crimes that are not happening at that very
    moment.  Write down the police department's non-emergency phone number and
    keep it near your phone for these types of calls.
  • Don't panic or scream at the dispatcher.  It's okay to tell the dispatcher if you are
    scared or worried.
  • Don't assume that because the dispatcher is still asking questions that help is not on
    the way.  The dispatcher has the ability to send emergency personnel to the
    emergency while he or she is talking with you on the phone.
  • Don't hang up if you misdial 911.  If you hang up, the dispatcher can see your phone
    number and address on the computer.  He or she will try to call you back to make
    sure you are okay.  If no one answers, a police officer will be dispatched to your
    home.  If you misdial 911, stay on the line and tell the dispatcher it was an accident.
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Karl's Kids Program, Inc.       P.O. Box 1989      Interlachen, FL  32148