Your Community

Emergency Preparedness

Guide Book

PROPER USE OF 911 OR YOUR                                  EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

     The 911 emergency telephone number has proven to be a very effective tool during emergencies.  The 911 emergency number provides instant access to emergency services should the need for immediate police, fire and ambulance response arise.

     This service, like any useful tool, does have its limitations. If the service is flooded with non-emergency calls, then the emergency calls, will have a more difficult time getting through.

    In an emergency situation, residents can be so over-whelmed that they may unwittingly tie up the emergency service with non-emergency calls.

     Some examples of these are; to locate relatives, to ask about the availability of gas at local pumps, to find out the location or availability of shelters and other services.

     Calls like these, though important, could be handled through other means.  Using other available non-emergency numbers would leave 911 service available to handle the calls it was designed to serve.

     It is vital that YOU are aware of the EMERGENCY Telephone number(s) to contact help when you need it, as minutes are precious and could be the difference between life or death.

     If the area you are in is served by the Emergency 911 number, dial it right away for any life threatening emergency situation or a crime in progress where your well being is at risk and you need the immediate response of Police, Fire or Ambulance (EMS-Paramedics).

     Emergency 911 is available to teletypewriter (TTY) users.

     If you are in an area NOT SERVED BY 911, then ensure you know and clearly post near your telephones, the local Police, Fire and Ambulance emergency numbers.

     "WHEN ANYTHING REQUIRES AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE FROM EMERGENCY SERVICES, DIAL 911 OR YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR POLICE, FIRE OR AMBULANCE."

     "USE IT WHEN YOU NEED IT, NEED IT WHEN YOU USE IT."

     If it is NOT AN EMERGENCY, and you still need to contact Police, Fire or Ambulance, please dial the NON-EMERGENCY/ADMINISTRATIVE telephone numbers for your area, found in your local Telephone book.

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