When you call 911 in Harford County to request emergency help, be prepared to answer the call taker's questions. The information is vital to first responders dispatched to the location.
- Remain as calm as possible; take a deep breath and speak clearly.
- Provide the location of the incident and the phone number you are calling from.
- Describe your location: what's the nearest cross street? If help is needed at another location, advise the call-taker.
- If your house is on fire, leave the house first, then call from a neighbor's phone or use your cell phone.
- Tell the call-taker the nature of the emergency.
- If the emergency is on a highway or interstate roadway, try to include the nearest mile-marker in your location description.
- Answer all of the call-taker's questions to the best of your ability. The answers will help the call-taker/dispatcher determine what kind of emergency aid you need.
- Keep the answers short and to the point.
- Follow all instructions given to you by the call-taker.
- Stay on then line until the call-taker tells you to hang up.
- Turn on your outside lights and, if possible, send someone out to direct the responding emergency personnel onto your property.