Being prepared and staying aware can make a real difference in an emergency. While dispatchers and first responders are always ready to help, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
Call 9-1-1 for emergencies only
Use 9-1-1 when there is an immediate threat to life, property, or public safety. For non-emergency situations, contact your local police or fire department’s non-emergency number so emergency lines remain open for urgent calls.
Know your location
Always be ready to provide your exact location, including address, apartment number, business name, or nearby landmarks. This is especially important when calling from a mobile phone, where location data may not always be precise.
Stay on the line
Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to. Even if help is already on the way, additional information can be critical to responders.
Speak clearly and stay calm
Take a breath and answer the dispatcher’s questions as clearly as possible. They are trained to guide you through the situation and provide instructions when needed.
Keep important information accessible
Have key details readily available, such as medical conditions, medications, allergies, and emergency contacts. Consider creating a profile with Smart911 to securely share this information with dispatchers in advance.
Teach children how to call 9-1-1
Make sure children know when and how to call 9-1-1, what to say, and the importance of not calling unless it’s an emergency.
Avoid distracted driving
If you need to call 9-1-1 while driving, pull over safely before making the call whenever possible.
Be aware of your surroundings
Report suspicious activity promptly. If something doesn’t seem right, it’s better to call and have it checked.
Taking a few minutes to prepare today can help ensure a faster, more effective response when it matters most.