Amazon.com Widgets

When And How To Call 9-1-1

When Should You Call 9-1-1?

If you witness suspicious behavior, call 9-1-1!

The simple rule to calling 9-1-1 is this: When in doubt, err on the side of caution! 9-1-1 is NOT "just for emergencies." Call 9-1-1:

To report accidents, injuries, or fire
Whenever police, fire, or ambulance assistance is required immediately
To report gas leaks or downed power lines
If you hear gunshots
If you see or suspect domestic violence
You see suspicious activity:
- People looking in cars or windows
- Strangers loitering where you need to go
- Vehicles you don't recognizing "cruising" the neighborhood
- Questionable solicitors or other people knocking on doors
You would like a "welfare check" on someone who typically communicates with you and does not respond after several contacts.
You have a concern regarding animals (Animal Control responds to complaints regarding excessive barking, lost/found, injured or abused animals.)
You have a "gut feeling" that something isn't right.

You know the personality of your neighborhood better than the law enforcement agencies that serve us. Trust your instincts!

When Should You Not Call 9-1-1?

9-1-1 should be used for reporting emergencies, suspicious behavior, and other concerns. However, there are situations when it is not appropriate to call 9-1-1:

To report water outages (call the City of Tucson Water Department)
To check on weather or highway conditions (dial 5-1-1)
For directory information (dial 4-1-1)
To report graffiti (call 792-CITY)

What Information Will I Be Asked When I Call 9-1-1?

When you dial 9-1-1, you will be connected with a 9-1-1 dispatch service operator who will ask you a standard set of questions to help the dispatcher prioritize your call. The information you gove will aloso provide the responding personnel with information before their arrival. The following are just some of the questions you may be asked.

LOCATION of the problem:
...WHERE are you and WHERE did the incident happen?

Even though the operator should have the phone number from which you are calling, the dispatcher may ask you the address where the problem is. You may be calling from an address other than the one where the problem is.
It is important to give any building names, building numbers, apartment or condominium names and unit or suite numbers.
Be as specific as possible. Avoid using "left" and "right" as directions. This is often confusing. Instead use a direction such as "North" or "South." The best locations are specific street address or cross streets.

NATURE OF THE PROBLEM:

Please don't use lingo or slang; it will only confuse the situation. Just tell the operator briefly what is happening or what happened.

Is anyone injured?

A basic description of what occurred.

TIME ELEMENT:
...WHEN did this occur? 5 minutes ago? 5 days ago? last year? Has it been going on over a span of time (hours, days, or weeks?)?

PERSON DESCRIPTION:

How many people are involved?
Describe as many of the following characteristics as possible: race, sex, height, weight, clothing, hair color, facial hair, eyeglasses, hat, etc.
Describe who is involved using descriptions from the top to bottom, outside to inside:
- What is "Top to Bottom?" — Hat, hair, facial hair? Shirt, coat, pants, shoes. Describe the top of the person to the bottom
- What is "Outside to inside?" — A coat is on the outside; a shirt is on the inside. A t-shirt is inside that. Describe outer clothing first then describe the detailed, less visible clothing.
DID THE PERSON HAVE A WEAPON? If so what kind?
- Was the person carrying anything?
- Where did the person go?
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION
- Color, make, model, license #, and number of doors
- Direction of travel

When calling 9-1-1, answer all the dispatcher's questions as calmly and clearly as you can. Sometimes it may sound as if the dispatcher is repeating themselves, but you may give more detail the second time. There may have been something you've forgotten earlier. Please don't become irritated with them; they are trying to obtain important information and to assist you. We know anxiety is a terrible emotion, but try to remain calm when giving information.

Do not hang up until either the 9-1-1 Dispatcher or the on scene Police or Fire personnel direct you to.

WHEN GIVING INFORMATION, DON'T EDIT OR EXAGGERATE! Give all the information you have. For example, if you don't mention that the suspect was wearing a red hat because you don't think it is important, you may be withholding the single most important identifier in apprehending the suspect.

Emergency response WILL NOT be delayed by answering the dispatcher's questions. In most instances, assistance will be dispatched while you are still on the phone. By answering the dispatcher's questions, he or she can relay important information to the units responding prior to their arrival. This increases the chances of a successful outcome to the situation.

Once the situation has been resolved, let your neighbors know by using the Neighborhood Watch Report Form.

adjust font size

Support HANA

Start your Amazon shopping here and HANA gets a commission