Calling 911
“Arlington 911. What are you reporting?”
Here are some tips for calling 911. Reading
these now may help you when an actual emergency occurs.
- Remain calm
- Be prepared to verify phone number
and location
- Be brief · Answer all questions
- Do not hang up
- Be prepared to give descriptions
and license numbers
Remember: Answering questions does NOT delay
the dispatch of assistance. A dispatcher is sending help your way while the Call
Taker takes additional information from you. The more pertinent information you
give us, the safer everyone will be.
About 911 hang-ups: Our policy is to respond to
ALL 911 hang up calls. If you change your mind about needing assistance, stay on
the line and explain that to the 911 Call Taker. Otherwise, an officer will be
dispatched to your location to ensure that you are safe. Playing on the phone
puts those who do need immediate help in danger and puts you in danger of being
prosecuted for making a false report.
MORE TIPS
- Stay calm. Speak clearly. Emergency units
(police, fire or ambulance) rely on the information you give to get to you as
soon as possible and to be able to help you.
- Give your address and phone number. Many 911
systems automatically display your address, but most cellular phones do not.
Your address is vital information. We cannot help you if we don’t know where
you are.
- Quickly and briefly describe your problem.
As soon as we know what you need, we will know who (police car, ambulance,
fire truck) to send to help you. Get to the point as soon as possible.
- Describe yourself. Tell the 911 Call Taker
where you are and what you look like, including what you are wearing. We want
officers who are arriving on the scene to know who they can contact and that
you are not the suspect.
- Listen to the 911 Call Taker. Answer their
questions and follow any instructions. Remain on the line until the 911 Call
Taker says it is okay for you to hang up.
