Reasons to Call 9-1-1

• To get help for someone who is hurt or very sick
• If you smell smoke or see fire
• If you see someone stealing something or hurting someone
• If you need emergency help fast for any reason

Reasons Not to Call 9-1-1

• To practice and see if it works; we have tested many numbers throughout the County and we know it works
• As a game, prank, or joke; Douglas County has an enhanced 9-1-1 system, which means the 9-1-1 equipment captures your call and knows where the call came from (it shows your telephone number, the subscriber's name, address, and the emergency service agencies that service your address)

Tips if You Need to Call 9-1-1

• Stay calm. Don't get excited. Speak loudly and clearly. Dial 9-1-1 right away. Don't wait for someone else to call.
• If you need to call 9-1-1 from a location such as a school, business, or hotel, you may need to dial special number(s) to reach an outside line before dialing 9-1-1.
• If you dial 9-1-1 from a cell phone or vehicle phone, it will go through the nearest dispatch center. Your location may not automatically display as it does when calling from most home or business phones. Be prepared to tell the 9-1-1 call taker the location of the emergency, your cell phone number, and what the emergency is and what type of assistance is needed. If possible, provide the dispatcher with the nearest mile marker if traveling on a highway and reporting an emergency.
• Tell the person who answers the phone exactly what is wrong, like this: "...my house is on fire" or "...there was just a car accident in front of my house."
• Explain what type of help you need - fire, police, and/or ambulance.
• Tell them the exact location where the emergency is. Be sure to give the full address, including your apartment number if you live in an apartment.
• Tell them the phone number you are calling from. If you are not calling from the same address as the emergency, tell them the address where you are.
• Do not hang up until the person on the telephone tells you to. They may need to ask you more questions to help the fire, police, and/or ambulance service find you. They also will tell you what to do until help arrives (medical pre-arrival instructions).