You learn at a very young age that you should call 911 in an emergency . And , according to the National Emergency Number Association ( NENA ) , people in the U.S. make approximately240 million911 calls every yr . But not all those calls guarantee emergency tending from police force , fire section , or paramedics . So what , just , nominate an emergency brake ?
Only call 911 if aperson or property is in straightaway danger . A serious aesculapian pinch warrants a 911 call , so do n’t pause if you witness a gist fire , stroke , anaphylaxis , broken tree branch , choking , drug overdose , drowning , a psychotic instalment , or uncontrolled hemorrhage . If you see smoke or flames , witness a law-breaking being commit , or see a auto accident in which someone has serious injuries , call 911 . And note that most country are still not equipped to processtextsto 911 , so stick to using a land line ( so the starter has approach to your locating ) or , if you ca n’t get at one , a cadre phone .
accord to TQ Gaskins , the lead dispatcher at a college police department in Southern California , you should only call 911 to get aid for an contiguous threat . “ If you are at home and find out someone in your house , this is the time to call 911 . If you come home and find someone broke into your family while you were away , then you should call the non - emergency argument , ” she says . “ 911 lines really need to stay heart-to-heart for people dealing with life - threatening or potentially volatile situations . ”
grant to Gaskins , most people are n’t aware that every agency has a non - emergency or byplay line . Go online to your metropolis ’s government website to find the non - emergency phone numbers of your local police , flame , and information services , andsave them in your phone .
Do n’t call 911 to file a noise complaint , account a dealings fortuity without injuries , or notify the police force that your car was stolen . To report a missing person , call your local non - emergency phone act rather than 911 , unless the missing person is a child , senior , or has developmental disabilities . ( And it probably go away without say , butdon’tcall911 to ask about weather conditions , parking restrictions , or when your electricity will derive back . )
Still not sure if your situation warrant a call to 911 ? If you ’re everin doubt , stray on the side of caution and station the call , then follow the dispatcher ’s instructions .
