When to Use 9-1-1

If an emergency situation arises - a crime, a fire, a serious injury or illness immediately dial 9-1-1 and advise the 9-1-1 operator what has happened or is happening. No money is needed for calling 9-1-1 from a pay phone. If there is an emergency, you can just pick up a pay phone, wait for a dial tone, and dial 9-1-1 without depositing a coin.

 

When Calling 9-1-1

• Stay calm. Give your name, location, telephone number, and nature of the emergency.

• Listen carefully to the 9-1-1 operator

• Answer the 9-1-1 operator’s questions as accurately as possible. 

• Speak clearly and slowly.

• Never hang up on the 9-1-1 operator until your are told to do so.

• Know Your Location

Non-Emergencies

• Do not dial 9-1-1 for non-emergency situations. For non-emergency situations in Quincy or Adams County, such as noisy neighbors, loud parties, stolen hubcaps, lost pets, dogs barking, etc. dial 222-9360.

• Never tell a 9-1-1 operator that a situation is more serious than it really is.

• It is against the law to intentionally and knowingly give false information to emergency services. Abuse of 9-1-1 may delay someone else’s access to emergency assistance.

 

Teaching Children About 9-1-1

Teach your children how and when to dial 9-1-1. Always tell them to dial 9-1-1 but never refer to this emergency number as "nine-eleven." There is no such number as eleven on the telephone and a child may easily become confused in the process of dialing.

Teach your children to trust the 9-1-1 Operator, explain to them that 9-1-1 is their friend and source of help to them during an emergency. Teach your children their home address and telephone number.

Carefully explain to your children that 9-1-1 is for an emergency likely to occur at your home or location. Explain what things to lookout for. Also, explain that 9-1-1 is not a toy or game and should never be played with or called unless it is actually needed.