Don't hang up

• If we don't answer right away.
  • Let the phone continue to ring until we answer.
• If you call 911 by accident.
  • If you hang up, we have to call you back. This happens about 200 times a day and uses valuable time and resources.
  • When we answer, tell us you called by accident.
• When you are talking to us.
  • Don't hang up until we end the call.
  • Help may be on the way while we are talking to you.
• If it's not safe for you to call, text 911.

Give details, answer questions, stay on the line

• Give us the details of your location, including:
  • Street address
  • Type of building
  • Intersections and landmarks
  • Specific room, apartment, floor where the incident happens
  • Anything that will help us find you
  • We can't get these details by tracking your cell or building phone
• Tell us what's happening.
• Describe suspects and their vehicles
• Answer our questions.
• Don't hang up. We can send help while we talk to you.
• Tell us if you want to speak to the officer or responder.

Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)

If you call for medical help, we may transfer you to the EMD.

• We will ask you some basic questions before transferring you.
• An EMD can provide guidance until our Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) arrive.

TTY and translation services

• If you are a TTY user, press any key after dialing 911. We treat every "silent" call as a potential TTY call.
• If you need a translator, tell the operator the language you need. We'll get an interpreter on the line.

Reporting problems with the call

• You can ask to speak to an on-duty supervisor if you have a bad experience with the operator.