The Flint, (MI) Police Department has posted some good information about the proper use of the 9-1-1 system. Some of this sounds pretty obvious, but there is a good reason for them wanting to be sure we are clear on it. For example, Genesee County Central Dispatch has answered over 84,000 non-emergency calls SO FAR this year.
What’s an Emergency?
An emergency is when immediate police, fire department, or medical assistance is necessary to protect life or property.
If an emergency situation arises — a crime, a fire, a serious injury or illness — ask yourself whether police, fire department, or medical assistance is needed right now to protect life or property. if YES, then immediately call 9-1-1 and advise the dispatcher what has happened or is happening.
Call 9-1-1 whenever you believe there is an emergency. If you are not sure it’s a real emergency, call 9-1-1 and the dispatcher will make the final determination.
When the Communications Center receives several 9-1-1 calls at the same time, these multiple 9-1-1 calls are handled on a priority basis. The most serious emergency will be handled first.
No money is needed to call 9-1-1 from a payphone. If there is an emergency, you can just pick up a payphone, wait for a dial tone, and call 9-1-1 without depositing a coin.
Critical Information the Dispatcher Needs to Know
What’s the emergency? What’s wrong? What type of crime is in progress?
Where is the emergency? Give the address, include building number, apartment number or nearest cross street. The name of the building or color of house is also helpful.
Who needs help? Names/ages and any descriptive information are helpful. (Example: color of clothing, height/weight, hair/eye color)
Weapons? Did you see any weapons involved? What type?
Remain calm and give direct answer to the questions asked. Speak slowly and clearly. You will be asked several questions so the dispatcher can send the right type of help. All questions are important.9-1-1 Do’s and Don’ts
Some calls are not appropriate for 9-1-1. These calls tie up emergency lines that are used to answer real emergency calls.
DO’S
Call 9-1-1 to report a fire, an accident, serious medical problems, or when life or property is endangered
Stay as calm as possible
Speak loud and clear, but do not scream
Let the dispatcher control the conversation
DONT’S
Do not call 9-1-1 and ask for the Flint non-emergency number. The non-emergency number is (810) 237-6800
Do not call 9-1-1 and ask for telephone numbers.
During a storm do not call 9-1-1 to report the power is out at your home, unless it is an emergency. Call your local electric company.
Do not call 9-1-1 for non-emergency transportation
Do not call 9-1-1 to speak with a detective regarding an ongoing investigation
Do not call 9-1-1 for information on court dates or times, bail amounts, whether or not someone is in custody or hours of visitation.
Do not call 9-1-1 just to see if it works
SOURCE: Flint Police Department
October 7th, 2008 at 11:28 AM
“Do not call 9-1-1 just to see if it works”
Wow. The fact they have to say that tells me that enough people have called “just to make sure”.
I’ve been known to call 911 with things that are urgent but not emergencies. I start the call with, “I would like to report a [foo] but this is NOT an emergency.” I’ve only done this a couple of times and at least once I was transferred to a non-emergency number.
Sure, I could have called information, but while driving and reporting a full-size couch (COUCH?!??) in the middle of the expressway, I didn’t want to bother with writing a number down.
October 7th, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Oh, and though I don’t read any blog frequently, I read yours and enjoy scrolling back reading your posts. :)
October 7th, 2008 at 11:47 AM
I am glad that the sire is useful to you, Chuck. As for calling 911, you make an excellent point about the border-line cell phone calls. I am sure that it is recognized at the dispatch center that there are exceptions to the rule. The concern seems to be about the number of blatantly “false calls”.