9-1-1 is the number you dial when help is needed in an emergency.

9-1-1 will give you direct access to POLICE, FIRE, and MEDICAL AID

When a caller dials 9-1-1, the address and phone number of the telephone called from is displayed on the screen at the 9-1-1 Center.  Except in cases when a caller is unable to speak, the computer information may be verified.

Children can be taught to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.

The sight impaired can learn the digits on the telephone or use a pre-programmed speed-dial button.

The hearing impaired can see a TTY machine.

The call-taker will ask you if this emergency is for POLICE, FIRE, and/or MEDICAL AID, and will verify your address. Answer the questions asked.  You will be transferred to the appropriate extension immediately. (Police, Fire or Medical Aid)

TALK TO THE CALL-TAKER.  Try to answer all the questions as best you can.

The information is needed to respond to your emergency in the most efficient way. 

The call-taker may give you First Aid/CPR instructions until help arrives.

When life and/or property are in immediate danger.

When you see smoke or a fire;

When you see a crime being committed;

When rescue or emergency medical assistance is needed.

The location where help is needed, and a description of what is happening (accident, burglary, chest pains, fight, death, etc.)

Answer the questions asked. 

Don’t hang up unless instructed to do so.

To call 9-1-1 from a home phone or a simple business phone, pick up the phone and dial the numbers, 9-1-1.

To call 9-1-1 from a Centrex or PBX business extension, obtain an outside line (usually by dialing ‘9’, ask your employer), and then dial the numbers, 9-1-1.

To dial 9-1-1 from a pay phone, no money is needed; simply dial the numbers, 9-1-1.

To dial 9-1-1 from a cellular phone or mobile phone, dial the numbers 9-1-1.  NO LOCATION INFORMATION WILL BE DISPLAYED on a screen at the 911 Center.

Never dial 9-1-1 as a joke!

Do not dial 9-1-1 for information, such as road conditions or weather conditions, area power outages, or directions.

Do no preprogram alarm circuits to dial 9-1-1.

Instruct your children, and their baby-sitter, how and when to use 9-1-1 properly.

Make sure your house number is visible at night from the street, and is clearly posted where your driveway joins the road.

Make sure your address and phone number are posted by the family phone(s), so they can be read by anyone using the telephone in an emergency.

Dial the Police and Fire Department’s business numbers for follow-up information and/or general information.

Keep in mind that when you dial 9-1-1, you are calling the 911 Dispatch Centers, which are located in Fife and Tacoma.  That is why it is important to answer the questions the call-taker asks you.

Never call the business numbers in an emergency.  You will be told to hang up and dial 9-1-1 and precious seconds will be lost.

Report power outages directly to the Public Utilities.

Do you have a cordless telephone? Low batteries may activate 9-1-1; check batteries regularly.  Also, if the power is out your cordless telephone will not work.

All calls are screened so that the appropriate Public Safety Official is sent to your location.

Your address is verified so that they are sent to the right location.  

For Police emergencies you will be asked to describe the situation for your safety and the safety of the Law Enforcement Officer.  You may be asked: (Suspect description: height, weight, hair color, clothing color, etc.; vehicle description: color, make, model, license plate number; are their any weapons involved: firearms, knives, etc.).

It is important for the Police Officer to know what he/she is responding to for their safety.  If the Officer does not know what they are responding to they could be injured or killed and unable to help you.

For Medical emergencies you may be asked to describe the symptoms that the person is having, this will help assist the call taker to send the help needed. (Basic Life Support, BLS or Advanced Life Support, ALS).