When To Call 911 And When To Use Non-Emergency Lines: A Guide For The Public

By Barbour County Office of Emergency Management

In an effort to ensure that emergency services are available to those in urgent need, local authorities are reminding residents about the appropriate use of 911 and non-emergency lines. Understanding when to use these different numbers can help keep our community safe and ensure that emergency responders are available to assist those in critical situations.

When to Call 911

The 911 emergency line should be used for situations that require immediate assistance from police, fire, or medical services. Examples include:

Medical Emergencies: Situations such as heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, or any other condition that poses an immediate threat to life.

Crimes in Progress: This includes situations where someone is in danger, such as assaults, robberies, or break-ins.

Fires: Whether you see a building, vehicle, or any other type of fire, it's crucial to call 911 to alert the fire department.

Traffic Accidents: If the accident involves injuries, potential hazards, or obstructions to traffic, calling 911 is necessary.

When to Use Non-Emergency Lines

Non-emergency lines are designed for situations that do not pose an immediate threat to life or property but still require police or fire department involvement.

Examples include:

Noise Complaints: Loud parties, music, or disturbances that are not violent or dangerous.

Non-Urgent Reports: Reporting a crime that occurred earlier and does not require immediate police response, such as vandalism or theft where the suspect is no longer present.

Public Safety Concerns: Reporting suspicious activities that do not pose an immediate danger, such as loitering or abandoned vehicles.

Animal Complaints: Reporting animals that are running around loose but not causing any immediate danger to themselves or others.

Why It Matters

Proper use of emergency and non-emergency lines helps ensure that resources are available for those who need them most. Overloading 911 with non-emergency calls can delay response times for true emergencies, potentially putting lives at risk.

Your Role in Community Safety

While it is important to use the correct lines, we also encourage residents to act on the side of caution. If you are ever uncertain about the danger of a situation, do not hesitate to call 911. Emergency dispatchers are trained to assess the situation and can direct your call to the appropriate resources if necessary.

What Emergency Dispatch Will Ask

When calling 911 in an emergency, being prepared to answer specific questions can speed up the process and ensure that the right help arrives as quickly as possible.

Dispatchers ask these questions not to delay assistance but to gather critical information that allows responders to better assess the situation. Here are some of the most common questions that 911 dispatchers typically ask:

Location of the Emergency

The dispatcher’s first priority is to determine where the emergency is occurring. They will ask for a specific address or location so that responders can head to the scene immediately.

Nature of the Emergency

Dispatchers need to know what type of emergency it is—such as a medical situation, fire, or crime. This helps them determine the resources and personnel needed.

Who Needs Assistance

Knowing who is involved or affected allows dispatchers to assess the urgency. They may ask the caller to identify themselves and provide details about the people needing help.

Description of the Scene or Individuals Involved

For incidents involving crime or suspicious behavior, dispatchers will often ask for physical descriptions of people, vehicles, or surroundings.

Status and Condition of the Individuals

For medical emergencies, dispatchers frequently ask about the condition of the person in distress. Is the person breathing? Are they conscious? Are there visible injuries? This information helps determine if immediate medical intervention is required.

Contact Information

Dispatchers often ask for a callback number in case they need to reach the caller for additional information or if the call is disconnected.

Answering these questions quickly and calmly can be difficult in stressful situations, but it enables dispatchers to coordinate the most effective response. Remember, help is on the way while you are answering questions— - these are simply to ensure the best care possible.

For more information or to report a non-emergency, please contact the non-emergency line at 304-457-5167. For emergencies, always dial 911.

By understanding the appropriate use of 911 and non-emergency lines, we can all contribute to a safer, more responsive community.