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1. What is 911?

911 is the universal emergency number that you can use 24 hours a day for police, fire or emergency medical services.

2. When should I use 911?

911 should be used whenever there is immediate danger to life or property. It should be called to report fires, crimes in progress and medical emergencies.

3. Can I dial 911 from any phone?

911 can be dialed from any home, business, coin or cellular car phone. It is always a free call.

Some locations, such as business, require a 1 or 2 digit access number to get an outside line before you can dial 911. Be sure that you learn the access number if one is required at your work place.

4. Who will answer my 911 call?

Your 911 call will be answered by a professional telecommunications officer trained in handling 911 emergency calls.

5. What will they ask and how should I answer?

You will be asked what your emergency is and the location where you need assistance. You should remain calm, speak clearly and slowly. Below are some examples:

• I need the emergency squad at 123 Main Street. (You should always include the name of the municipality you are in, not your post office.) There is a man outside having a heart attack.
• I need the Fire Department at 123 Main Street. My house is on fire.
• I need the police at 123 Main Street. Someone is breaking into my neighbor's house.

6. Will they keep me on the phone and ask other questions?

The 911 telecommunications officer will begin routing the call to the proper agency. During the next few seconds you may hear a dial tone and ringing. Do not be alarmed, this is normal and you are never out of contact with the telecommunications officer.

The 911 telecommunications officer will use this time to confirm the name, address, and ask any additional questions. Examples may include:

• Suspect or vehicle information for crimes in progress.
• Age of patient and are they conscious and breathing.
• What is on fire and are there any other dangers?

Always stay on the line and await instructions. Never think that the exchange of information is delaying the actual dispatch of emergency services. Burlington County's 911 Communication Center utilizes a state of the art network of computers, telephones, and radios to communicate dispatch information to others even while they are on the phone with you.

7. What if the caller speaks a foreign language?

When it is determined that a 911 caller is speaking a foreign language, a specially trained interpreter is conferenced on the call to ask the questions and relay the responses.

8. What if the caller is speech or hearing impaired?

The 911 telecommunication officers are trained to detect data signals unique to telecommunication devices for the speech and hearing impaired. These calls are immediately connected to a special device that allows communications with the caller.

Text Telephone (TTY/TDD) Users: Wait until your call is answered. Then press the space bar or any touch tone key several times to send data signals to identify your call as a (TTY/TDD) call.

9. What if my call is not an emergency?

Non-emergency calls for police, fire and emergency medical assistance can be made by using any of the following numbers:

• 609-234-8300
• 609-267-8300
• 609-723-8300

You should use the number that is a local call for your area.

10. Can I call a police station directly?

Yes! There are many instances when you only need a question answered, provide information or return a call to a representative of the department. In most cases these calls are best made Monday through Friday during normal business hours. These numbers are frequently listed in the blue pages of your Bell Atlantic telephone directory.

It is important to remember never to use a business number to report an emergency. Many police, fire and emergency medical stations are not staffed at various times of the day and night.

11. Are there things I shouldn't call for?

Yes! Power outages, traffic conditions, weather reports, school closings, along with calls to request information about special events and municipal services schedules are some examples of calls that shouldn't be made to 9-1-1 and non-emergency emergency service telephone lines. Extreme weather conditions, holidays, and major events increase demands on all emergency service agencies. In times like these, you can do your part in safeguarding your communications lifeline by keeping telephone lines and emergency service's personnel clear and available to handle true emergencies from your community and the area.

HOW Radio stations that specialize in 24-hour news and information are your best source for up-to-date traffic, weather, and advisories during major events. Inexpensive weather monitors are also recommended, especially those that activate when the National Weather Service sends out special weather statements.

Local events, such as parades, fairs, shows, etc. are announced via press releases to newspapers, radio, and television stations well in advance of the event. Frequently, numbers are provided for additional information.

12. Is there anything I should do to make sure emergency personnel can find me?

View the Emergency Address Importance webpage for more information.