•    Answer all questions asked by the telecommunicator.
•    Listen to all instructions provided to you by the telecommunicator.
•    Speak clearly so the telecommunicator can understand what you are trying to communicate to us.
•    Remain calm so you can help the telecommunicator gather valuable information needed by our first responders.
•    Stay on the line until the telecommunicator instructs you to hang up.

If you accidentally dial 9-1-1 PLEASE DO NOT HANG UP.  All you need to do is explain that you have dialed the wrong number.  The Telecommunicator will confirm with you by asking a few questions, to ensure you are safe and that there is no problem.  If you do hang up without talking to a Telecommunicator the following will occur:

• The Telecommunicator will try to re-contact you.
• If the Telecommunicator is unable to re-establish contact, law enforcement will be dispatched to respond.  It is our policy to send police officers when a 9-1-1 caller hangs up, and cannot re-contact the caller.

Telecommunicators are trained to get as much information as possible.  Questions are asked to obtain details related to your emergency.  Depending on the nature of the call questions may be asked in order to help provide the caller with first aid instructions, life and personal safety instructions, the severity of injury, locations, people/property involved, etc.  The information provided by callers will assist the responders in determining what they will need in order to keep others safe and out of harm’s way.  Telecommunicators are trained to multi-task and will often be dispatching emergency response units while talking to you.

911 is to only be used in emergencies, which is when there is a situation that requires immediate assistance from law enforcement, the fire department, or medical personnel.  Typically this involves danger to life, health, and/or property.   If you are not sure if it is an emergency, call 911 and the dispatcher will be able to assist you in determining if it is an emergency.