Stay calm! Before picking up the phone, take a deep breath and do your best to relax.

 

• Pick up the phone, listen for dial tone, and then dial 9-1-1. 
• When the dispatcher answers, simply state what you need; I need the police, I want to report a fire, I need an ambulance.
• Generally before the dispatcher even answers your name, location information and other pertinent information will be displayed to the dispatcher.  The questions they ask you are very important to CONFIRM the information that they already have.  In some instances they may not have any information except for what you are able to provide.
• The dispatcher will then ask for the address or location of the emergency.  This is very important!  Do you and other members of your family / workforce all know your address?  If not, let everyone know!  Better yet, mark the address by each telephone - that way it will be easy to remember.  Do you know what city, township or borough you are located in?  This is important information as well.  In addition to knowing your address, it is important that emergency responders can see your house number from the street.  The next time you are returning to your home at night, pretend that you are a policeman or firefighter trying to find your house. Can you easily see your house number from the street?  If not, you have some work to do. Mark your house number in large, reflective numbers that can easily be seen from the street.
• Next, the dispatcher will ask you exactly what is wrong - the "details" of your emergency. This is important information too! Do not become upset that it is "taking too long", or that "they are asking too many questions" REMEMBER, while one dispatcher is talking to you on the phone, another dispatcher is putting your call out on radio to the emergency personnel.
• Finally, the dispatcher will ask your name and telephone number.
• Cellular Phone 911 Calls - In many areas of the United States, when you make a 911 call, the dispatcher will NOT know your location.  All the information that they may receive is your phone number or your general location but not any usable specific information that can be used to send you help.  In this case, you will have to provide your location and possible directions to where you need help.  Sometimes the wrong 911 center will receive your call due to your geographic location.  Finally, wireless providers are working with your local 911 center to provide additional information for cellular 911 callers.

DO NOT hang up until the dispatcher says it is okay. If you are alone or frightened, the dispatcher will stay on the phone until help arrives.

If you somehow get disconnected, try to call back and re-establish phone contact.  Remember, the dispatcher cannot send help if they do not know where you are.