Making The Call To 911

Calling for Emergency Assistance

CALLING FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
In Harford County 911 calls for Fire and Ambulance assistance are handled on site. Police calls are transferred by direct line to the Police Department that responds to that location. The 911 lines to the local police agencies are dedicated lines and have priority answering. Once the call is transferred, all of	the data displayed to the 911 operator is transferred to the receiving station. The 911 operator will remain on the line until communication is established. If there is a situation where the caller hangs up, the operator will immediately provide the police with the location and nature of the call.

Try to remain as calm as possible. Take a deep breath and speak clearly.

Tell the operator the nature of the emergency: I NEED THE (Police, Fire Department, Ambulance)

If your house is on fire, LEAVE the house and call from a neighbor's or mobile telephone.

Know where you are. If help is needed at another location, advise the operator.

Answer the questions the operator asks. They are necessary to determine the help you need.

Keep the answers short and to the point.

Follow all instructions given to you by the operator.

Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.

Turn your outside lights on and if possible send someone out to direct the emergency personnel in.