9-1-1 - "The Number That Can Save Your Life"

WHAT IS 9-1-1?

• 9-1-1 is the telephone number to dial when help is needed in an emergency.
• 9-1-1 will give you direct access to FIRE, POLICE, AID, RESCUE and POISON CONTROL.

WHAT IS "ENHANCED" 9-1-1?

• When the caller dials 9-1-1, the address and phone number of the telephone called from is displayed on a screen at the 9-1-1 Center. Except in cases when a caller is unable to speak, the computer information is ALWAYS verified.

9-1-1 MAY BE USED BY ANYONE!

• Children can be taught to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.
• The sight-impaired can learn the digits on the telephone, or use a pre-programmed speak-dial button.
• The hearing-impaired can use a TTY machine.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

• You will be asked questions.
• TALK TO THE CALL-TAKER. Try to answer all the questions as best you can.
• The information is needed to respond to your emergency in the most efficient way.
• The call-taker may give you First Aid/CPR instructions until help arrives.

WHEN TO DIAL 9-1-1

• When life and/or property are in immediate danger;
• When you see smoke or a fire;
• When you see a crime being committed;
• When rescue or emergency medical assistance is needed.

WHAT YOU NEED TO REPORT

• The location where help is needed, and a description of what's happening (accident, burglary, chest pains, fight, death, etc.).

HOW TO CALL 9-1-1

• To call 9-1-1 from a home phone or a simple business phone, pick up the phone and dial the numbers, 9-1-1.
• To call 9-1-1 from a Centrex or PBX business extension, obtain an outside line (usually by dialing "9"), and then dial the numbers, 9-1-1. Ask your employer.
• To dial 9-1-1 from a cellular phone or mobile phone, dial the numbers 9-1-1. NO LOCATION INFORMATION WILL BE DISPLAYED on a screen at the 9-1-1 Center.

WHEN NOT TO CALL 9-1-1

• Never dial 9-1-1 as a joke!
• Do not dial 9-1-1 for information, such as road or weather conditions, area power outages, or directions.
• Do not pre-program an ALARM circuit to dial 9- 1 - 1 .

Helpful Hints

• Instruct your children and their baby-sitter how to use 9-1-1 properly.
• Make sure your house number is visible at night from the street, and is clearly posted
• where your driveway joins the main road.
• Make sure your address and phone number are posted by the family phone(s), so they can be read by anyone using the telephone in an emergency.

OTHER INFORMATION

• Dial the Police and Fire Department's business numbers for follow-up information and/or general information.
• Report power outages directly to Public Utilities (PUD).
• Do you have a cordless telephone? Low batteries may activate 9-1-1; check batteries regularly.

Washington State Military Department, Emergency Management Division