Be ready to answer our questions when you call

When you call 911, our Communications Officers are highly trained to get the information needed to send help as quickly as possible. Being prepared for an emergency can save valuable time.
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Our questions don’t slow anything down—our dispatchers are working in the background to get help started while 911 asks you important questions.
Questions are asked for safety reasons: your safety, and the safety of the first responders.

Questions when you have a medical emergency

1. What is the location of your emergency? Is this a house or an apartment? (Please provide apartment or location within building if appropriate).
2. Verify your phone number.
3. Tell us exactly what happened: be brief but descriptive such as "My mother fell and cut her leg" or "I think I'm having a heart attack".
   (We will then ask you a series of medical questions related to your emergency. PLEASE NOTE: help is already on the way. Our dispatchers have started help based on your situation.)
4. The questions we ask help responders to prepare as they arrive on scene and can vary but generally ask:
   -if you are with the patient
   -the general age of the patient (a guess is fine...30s, 50s, 60s, etc.)
   -if they are having any trouble breathing
   -other questions related to the specific medical condition
   -we will also ask if your door is unlocked so the fire department can enter the property
   -we will ask if there's any pets at the location and if someone can put them way

Questions when you have a law enforcement emergency

1. What is the location of your emergency? Is this a house or an apartment? (Please provide apartment or location within building if appropriate).
2. Verify your phone number.
3. Tell us exactly what happened: be brief but descriptive such as "A person is running in and out of traffic" or "A man just waived a gun at me."
   ​(We will then ask you a series of questions related to your emergency. PLEASE NOTE: Our dispatchers are already working in the background to address your situation.)​
4. The questions we ask help responders to prepare as they arrive on scene. 
   -Do you see any weapons?
   -Has there been an assault?
   -Does anyone need medics?
   -Does the person seem to be high or intoxicated?
   -Where are the parties involved located? (in bedroom, in front of house, etc.)
5. After we get responses to these questions, we will begin to get specifics on the people involved, such as names, dates of birth, descriptions, clothing, etc. Answers to these questions help us ensure law enforcement knows who is on scene. 
6. If any of the involved parties have left the scene, we will ask you the direction of travel.