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 This file is available for print or distribution in PDF
(117K).
PDF files require a free reader. Also available
in Spanish. Download
a reader. This document was produced in cooperation with the Emergency
Management Division of the Washington State Military Department.
How to Use 9-1-1
Call 9-1-1 only to
report a life-threatening situation requiring police, medical or fire
emergency assistance. Do not call 9-1-1 unnecessarily. 9-1-1 lines must be
kept open for people with true emergencies.
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When to call 9-1-1
If
someone falls and is seriously injured.
If
you see someone hurt in an accident.
If you see someone acting suspiciously,
stealing, or breaking into a home or building.
If you smell smoke or see a fire.
If you see people fighting and hurting each
other.
If you see someone being robbed or beaten.
If you believe emergency assistance may be
needed but are not sure, call 9-1-1 and describe the situation.
If you call 9-1-1 by accident, don’t hang
up. Explain what happened to the 9-1-1 operator.
When not to call 9-1-1
In the event of a natural
disaster or emergency, minimize your calls to 9-1-1 unless it is a life
threatening police, medical or fire emergency. The following guide should
help you determine when it is appropriate to call 9-1-1 in a disaster.
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Never call 9-1-1 as a joke.
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Never call 9-1-1 to ask for information.
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Never call just to see if 9-1-1 is working.
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Stay off the telephone unless you have a
critical need to make a telephone call.
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Do not call 9-1-1 unless you need emergency
response from police, fire or emergency medical personnel.
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If you experience other types of problems
not related to these emergency services, call the appropriate telephone
number for those services.
Other emergency phone tips
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If you pick up your telephone
to make a call and do not hear a dial tone, do not hang up. Simply wait a
few seconds, and you will get a dial tone and be able to make your call.
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Do you have an out-of-area
contact? In an emergency, local phone lines could be jammed. If you have a
friend or relative to call long distance, you should be able to get
through. Your family can leave messages for each other and you can let
people know you’re okay.
What to say when you call
9-1-1
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Tell the person what is wrong.
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Tell the person your name, address and
telephone number.
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Do not hang up until they tell you that you
should; they may have to ask you more questions.
Teach your children the correct use of 9-1-1
- Parents should use the information on this sheet to talk to children
about how and when to use 9-1-1. Knowing the right thing to do can save
lives.
Keep phone lines clear during emergencies
- During emergencies, telephone services become overloaded. You can
help keep service available for those who need it most by making only
calls that are critical. Limit FAX machine and computer use as well;
their use also ties up phone lines.
Revised - October 2006
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