When to use 911
Anytime you have an emergency requiring Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters or Paramedics to respond.

Cell Phone Callers
When you dial an emergency number from a cell phone, provide the location (address) and the city, or closest city. The 911 operator will then attempt to locate the Communications center best suited to assist you.

All Callers:
When you dial 911, the 911 operator who answers the phone will ask you a series of questions including the location of the emergency, the telephone number you are calling from and the type of emergency. There will then be a series of questions that are specific to the type of emergency you are experiencing. It is very important that you answer these questions so that help can be sent for a successful resolution to your emergency.

Ø Attempt to know the address and phone number of the location you are calling from.
Though the technology exists which presents address and phone number data
immediately to the 911 operator, it is not available in all locations.

Ø No matter what the situation, try to remain calm.

Ø Be sure to speak slowly and clearly.
Time is of the essence. Every 911 operator knows that. It hampers response when a 911 operator has to ask the caller for information several times over because he/she couldn't comprehend what was being said.

Ø Answer all questions asked by the 911 operator, even ones that seem repetitious.

Ø Remain on the line until the dispatcher tells you that it is okay to hang up,
unless it is unsafe for you to do so.

Even if you dial in error – remain on the line. If you don’t remain on the line, the 911 operator is required to send police to the computer provided location that the call came from to confirm that no emergency exists.

Ø Listen to what the 911 operator has to say
Many 911 centers are staffed by people who are trained to give instructions for all types of calls and advice that can save lives. He/she might be able to offer medical instructions or it may be that an officer responding to your call needs to be constantly updated as to what's happening.