Always good to know when to call 911

911 is for police, fire or medical emergencies when immediate action is required: someone’s health, safety or property is in jeopardy, or a crime is in progress.

Police are asking the public to use 911 responsibly. Call takers can’t provide information on the weather, power outages or municipal services.

Don’t call 911 and ask for the non-emergency phone number. You can dial directory assistance (411) to request a number.

The 911 call takers and dispatchers are highly trained, dedicated professionals who will get you the help you need.

Police offer the following examples of when to call 911:

• Events that involve an immediate threat to a person or property: screams, attacks, gunshots, fires, car accidents with injuries or any other medical emergency.

• An in-progress crime. This includes fights, break and enters (if there is a suspect on the scene), or an impaired driver report.

• A serious crime that has just occurred (i.e. sexual assault or robbery).

• A suspicious circumstance that may indicate an imminent criminal act (i.e. prowler, vandal).

Citizens are reminded to stay on the line if you accidentally dial 911. Should you hang up, the call taker will assume it is an emergency and dispatch police.

911 hang-up calls consume considerable resources; therefore, police ask all cell phone users to “lock it before your pocket.”