9-1-1 is for EMERGENCIES ONLY

I am hoping to shed some light here on what does NOT constitute an EMERGENCY.
These are some of the types of calls that we field every day. Please remember that for every call that ISN'T an emergency, there is someone with a real life or death emergency waiting to be helped. We don't want to discourage anyone from calling 911 - we are always willing to help, no matter how big or how small the problem. We would however, really appreciate those calls that are NOT EMERGENCIES to be called in to the NON-EMERGENCY business number that can be found by calling 411 or looking in your local directory.

Please do not call 911 to tell me that your power is out. Or to ask me why your power is out. Please call your electric company.

Please do not call 911 to report that your husband found a HUGE RAT in your garage. Please call an exterminator.

Please do not call 911 to report that there is a dead skunk on the side of the road near your home. (yes, I know it stinks and you want it removed) Please call the Department of Public Works Roads Division.

Please do not call 911 because your phone service was shut off. We know that we are the only number that continues to work after phone service has been terminated, but we can't call your phone company for you. Please go to another phone to make that call.

Please do not call 911 to obtain the NON-EMERGENCY number of your local fire/police department. Please check your local directory or call 4-1-1.

Please do not call 911 to find out when the storm is going to arrive. Please watch the news, check the weather channel or call the weather desk at your local newspaper.

Please do not call 911 to find out if your child has school today.

I'm sure everyone has seen the latest 911 debacle about the woman who called 911 about her unhappy experience at Burger King.



Please do not call 911 to complain about a food order. Please speak to the manager or contact the owner of the business.

Hope this helps clear up any misconceptions on when to call 9-1-1.