Know How to Dial 9-1-1 with the Phone You Own
For All Phones
- 9-1-1 is for emergencies or potential emergencies only. An emergency is a threat to life or property. Use the non-emergency number for your local police or sheriff’s department for questions and non emergency matters.
- Post your address and phone number near each phone in your home. Visitors, babysitters and even family members may need to relay this information in a stressful situation. Try to stay calm.
- Dial 9-1-1.
- Give the 9-1-1 call taker the location of your emergency and your phone number. Describe what type of help is needed (police, fire, ambulance).
- Stay on the line and answer the call takers questions.
- Don’t hang up until the call is completed.
Inactive or Donated Cell Phones
9-1-1 calls can be places from an inactive or donated cell phone (one without a service plan).
The 9-1-1 system may not receive location Information. Give the call taker your location immediately.
Call 9-1-1 back immediately if you call is dropped because inactive cell phones cannot receive any incoming calls. Including those from a 9-1-1 call taker.
Kids Cell Phones
Some phones marketed to children have a non traditional dialing pad. An adult may need to program the phone to dial 9-1-1. Teach your children to dial 9-1-1 only in an emergency. Help you children understand what an emergency is by providing examples. Help your children learn their address and phone number.