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SAFETY SALLY SAYS,
Wondering how to best use 911?
In an emergency, you know to
call 911, but what happens if you actually have to
use it?
WHAT IS 911?
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9-1-1 is the telephone
number to dial when help is needed in an emergency.
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9-1-1 will give you direct
access to fire, police and medical aid.
WHAT IS ENHANCED 9-1-1?
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When a caller dials 9-1-1,
the address and phone number of the telephone from which
the call is made is displayed on a screen at the 9-1-1
center.
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This information is always
verified.
9-1-1 MAY BE USED BY ANYONE!
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Children can be taught to
dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.
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The sight-impaired can learn
the digits on the telephone, or use a programmed button.
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The hearing-impaired can use
a TTY machine.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
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You will be asked questions.
Answer all questions as best as you can (name, address,
phone number, and what's happening, i.e., accident,
chest pain, fight, fire, etc.)
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Talk to the call-taker,
slowly and clearly.
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The call-taker may give you
first aid/CPR instructions until help arrives.
WHEN TO DIAL 9-1-1
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When life and/or property
are in immediate danger.
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When you see smoke or fire.
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When you see a crime being
committed.
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When rescue or emergency
medical assistance is needed.
WHEN NOT TO DIAL 9-1-1
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Never dial 9-1-1 as
a joke!
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Do not dial
9-1-1 for information, such as road or weather
conditions, area power outages, or directions.
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Do not
pre-program your alarm system to dial 9-1-1.
CALLING 9-1-1 FROM A CELL PHONE
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Tell the dispatcher the nature of your emergency.
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Tell the dispatcher that you’re calling on a cell and
give your location, including your city. Your call may
have gone to a different communication center. Plus, the
dispatcher won’t see an address for a cell phone.
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Think about location markers to give. Use cross streets,
landmarks and mileposts to help police find the exact
location of the emergency.
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Give your name and cell phone number. You may get
disconnected, and the dispatcher will want to call you
back. If you are disconnected, call 911 again.
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Prevent “pocket calls.” Unlocked cell phones can easily
dial 911 by accident, especially if it’s preprogrammed.
Be sure to lock your phone to avoid accidental 911
calls.
HELPFUL HINTS
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Instruct your children, and
their babysitters, how to send 9-1-1 properly.
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Make sure your house number
is visible at night from the street.
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Dial the police and fire
department's business numbers for general information
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