An important consideration when accessing Public Safety Services is understanding when to use 9-1-1. 

If you are unsure as to the immediacy of the need, dial 9-1-1 and let the responder decide.  Example:  If your car has been broken into, but the perpetrator is nowhere in sight, do not call 9-1-1; use the non-emergency number listed in the telephone directory.  If you observe someone breaking into your car, call 9-1-1; there is immediate need for assistance to stop/catch the person.

If you call 9-1-1 by accident, do not hang up.  Stay on the line and tell the operator what happened.  If you hang up, police will be sent to your home to find out why you hung up and are not answering.
 

The nation-wide emergency public safety number, 9-1-1, is for emergencies only.

What is an emergency? An emergency is any crime, medical situation or fire that is in progress, or any crime that has just occurred and the suspect is still on the scene or there is a possibility of apprehension, and any personal injury accident or any accident including any including any of the above criteria.

What is an Emergency?

Crimes in progress

Suspicious activity (Prowlers, someone unfamiliar in the neighborhood)

Medical emergencies

Fires

Serious accidents / injuries

Person shot / shots fired

Person stabbed

Robbery / burglary in progress

Natural disasters (tornadoes, earthquakes, etc.)

Fights

Live wires down

Emergency 911