Nine-one-one is only to be used ONLY in emergency situations. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, the fire department or an ambulance. If you are ever in doubt of whether a situation is an emergency you should call 9-1-1. It’s better to be safe and let the 9-1-1 call taker determine if you need emergency assistance.

Examples of When to Call 9-1-1:

  • Heart attack or stroke
  • House fire
  • Domestic violence
  • Burglary or theft in progress
  • Car accidents
  • Suspicious activities
  • Anything else that seems like an emergency!

Do not call 9-1-1

  • For information
  • When the power is out
  • To report a broken fire hydrant
  • When your water pipes burst
  • To get a ride for a doctor’s appointment
  • For paying tickets
  • For your pet
  • As a prank

Never Prank Call 9-1-1

It’s a prank call when someone calls 9-1-1 for a joke, or calls 9-1-1 and hangs up. If 9-1-1 lines or call takers are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency may not be able to get the help they need. It is against the law to make prank 9-1-1 calls.

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