When to Call 911

A 911 emergency is when someone needs help right away because of an injury or an immediate danger. For example, call 911 if:

• There’s a fire
• Someone has passed out
• Someone suddenly seems very sick and is having a hard time speaking or breathing or turns blue
• Someone is choking
• You see a crime happening, like a break-in
• You are in or see a serious car accident

Deactivated cell phones (phones that have battery life and reasonable access to a cellular tower, but no active paid service/minutes) can still dial and reach 911. This is to make sure as many people as possible have access to 911 emergency services. Use caution though when allowing young children to play with old cell phones, as this is one of the most common 911 calls our agency can receive.

Where are you? The single most important piece of information you can provide your 911 operator is your location, or the location of the emergency. In a rural area, such as ours in Franklin County, cellular signal is not always guaranteed and calls can/will drop and lose signal at any time. When we answer, please be ready with the address, because we can always send help as long as we know where they need to go.

Text to 911

Texting 911 is to be utilized when you’re unable to call. If you’re unable to speak due to safety or medical issues, you can always text the information to 911 and we can respond back accordingly. Although, if you’re able to, calling 911 is always preferable.