Communications

Dialing 911 will connect callers to a dispatcher who will send the appropriate emergency response personnel. Emergencies include crimes that are in progress or about to happen, and ones that have resulted in serious personal injury, property damage, or property loss. They also include situations in which the suspect may still be at the scene and some suspicious activities.

Emergencies that Should be Reported by Calling 911

Crimes in progress:

If you believe that you are either the victim or witness to a life-threatening crime, you should call 911. You should first remove yourself from immediate danger, if possible, and then report the emergency to the 911 call center. Be sure to inform them if you or another person on the scene requires medical attention to have the proper emergency responders on the scene.

Difficulty breathing:

Call 911 if you or someone you know is having trouble breathing or experiencing shortness of breath due to illness, injury, or a medical condition, like an allergic reaction. Signs of breathing difficulties can include severe wheezing and turning a blue or gray color around the eyes, gums, or face. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing and increased heart rate.

Fire:

You should call 911 if you are in immediate danger from or witness to a fire. If you see an uncontrolled fire, smell smoke or gas, or hear a smoke detector, fire alarm, or carbon monoxide alarm, call 911 for the fire department.

Heart attack:

You should call 911 if someone is experiencing the major signs of a heart attack, like chest pain, light-headedness, and pain in the jaw, neck, or back.

Injury:

You should call 911 if a serious injury causes extensive and uncontrollable bleeding, seizures, or paralysis. Report the extent of the injury to the best of your abilities to the call-taker to get immediate medical care. Avoid moving the injured party to prevent further damage.

Loss of consciousness:

You should also call 911 if a person loses consciousness and is unresponsive for more than one minute.

Serious car accidents:

Call 911 if you are involved in or have witnessed a serious car accident where someone sustains an injury or major damage has been done to the vehicles involved. If you are injured in the accident, call 911 immediately so that you can receive first aid and, if necessary, be transported by responders to an emergency room.

Situations that Do Not Qualify as a 911 Emergency

False reasons:

Calling 911 for a prank or an emergency that doesn’t exist takes emergency services away from a real emergency. These types of calls can result in penalties, including fines and time in jail, depending on your state laws.

Minor car accidents:

You do not have to call 911 if you are involved in or witness a car accident in which there are no injuries, minor damage to property, or if the accident isn’t impeding traffic. Report collisions of this nature to the police after all information has been exchanged between the involved parties.

Minor crime:

Report any crime that has already taken place to the police using the non-emergency number. You can also report nuisance incidents, such as intoxicated people or barking dogs, to that number.

Non-life-threatening medical emergency:

Minor injuries or medical conditions that do not require immediate medical care do not warrant a 911 call. If you or someone you know has mild food poisoning, a slight fever, nausea, or a minor cut, consider calling a physician or going to urgent care.

Request for Information:

Calls for information, such as community events or construction projects should be directed to the Mayor's Office. Public Records requests can be submitted online.