What happens when I call 911?

A Communications Officer will answer your call and ask you several questions about your emergency. Based on the nature of the emergency, the dispatcher will summon police, fire, or emergency medical response. When you call 911, tell the dispatcher your exact location, or as much information about your location as possible, the nature of the emergency (someone has a gun, my house is on fire, my neighbor collapsed, etc.), how many people are injured, if any, and names and descriptions of the people involved in the emergency. Answering these questions does not delay the response since the dispatcher will enter your situation in the system as soon as basic information such as location is provided.

Answering the additional questions ensures you get the best response to your situation. Adding any conditions which could make the situation unsafe for responding personnel or bystanders (weapons, gas leaks, disabled vehicles, animals, etc.) is beneficial as well.

Stay on the line until the dispatcher hangs up. You may be able to provide the dispatcher with additional information as emergency personnel respond, or the dispatcher may be able to provide you with emergency instructions.

Show All Answers

1. What is 911?
2. When should I call 911?
3. What happens when I call 911?
4. How are calls to 911 prioritized?
5. Will my call to 911 be kept confidential?
6. What should I teach my children about 911?
7. How do I get an ambulance to take me to my medical appointment?
8. How do I report a lost or found pet?
9. Who handles loose or vicious dogs?
10. Who can help me with stray cats?
11. Where can I get help with wild animals (squirrels, opossum, raccoons, bats, birds, deer, foxes, snakes, etc)?
12. How do I report a problem with water service?
13. How do I report a power outage?
14. Who do I call to report a problem or question with trash or recycle pickup?
15. Who do I call to request other assistance from the city?