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Calling 9-1-1

Things You Need To Know.

9-1-1 was first introduced on 16 February 1968.

9-1-1 was designated the National Emergency Number when a Bill was signed in 1999.

9-1-1 still does not completely cover some rural areas across the country.

9-1-1 is a three digit telephone number.

It should be called "nine one one" not "nine eleven".

This is important, for in an emergency people have often looked for the "eleven" key on the phone.

9-1-1 call be called any time of day or night, everyday of the year.

This can save a couple of minutes trying to look for the appropriate phone number for Police, Fire or Medical aid.

In a life threatening Emergency, those few minutes can make the difference between life and death.

Because this is such an important phone number, there are some rules to follow.

(Note: This is general information. Since not all areas work the same way, check with your local authorities 

to verify the way your 9-1-1 system works.)

When to Call 9-1-1

9-1-1 is to be used in Emergencies only!

An Emergency is defined as when the immediate response of Law Enforcement, the Fire Department, 

or Emergency Medical Service is needed.

♦ When a life is in immediate danger.

♦ When you need an ambulance because someone has a sudden illness

(such as Unconsciousness, Chest Pains or Seizure) or has been injured.

♦ When you see smoke or fire.

♦ When you see a crime in progress.

♦ When a stranger is attempting to gain access into your home.

The Proper Use of Calling 9-1-1

♦ When a life is in immediate danger.

♦ When you need an ambulance because someone has a sudden illness

(such as Unconsciousness, Chest Pains, Difficulty Breathing

or Seizure) or has been injured.

♦ When you see smoke or fire.

♦ When you see a crime in progress.

♦ When a stranger is attempting to gain access into your home.

When Not to Call 9-1-1

♦ To request general information regarding police reports, tickets,

court appearances, correctional facilities, weather reports,

or road conditions.

♦ To report utility problems, such as power outages or

broken water pipes.

♦ To ask for directions and/or road names.

♦ To request an ambulance for non medical routine transport.

♦ To request information on road closures for parades or parade times,

shooting off illegal Fireworks, Halloween tricks or to report

businesses closed during holidays.

♦ To request Taxi service.

♦ To report you locked your keys in the car (unless someone is trapped

inside the vehicle). 

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