When You Call 911 You Will Be Asked:

What is the location of the Emergency? Most calls to 9-1-1 will display at least partial location information to the 9-1-1 call receiver. The 9-1-1 call receiver will always attempt to confirm the location of the emergency.

What is your phone number and name?

Your phone number and name is used to call you back if the call is dropped, or by emergency responders if they need to contact you.

What is your emergency?

You may be asked a series of questions, even after emergency responders have been dispatched. In some situations, the call receiver will stay on the phone with you until help arrives. Do not hang up until told to do so, unless your safety is threatened.

Know Your Location.

One of the first things you will be asked when calling 9-1-1 is “What’s your location?” So, it’s important to: Post your address and medical information in your house. You may know this information, but someone else who calls 9-1-1 for you may not. When you are not at home, be aware of your surroundings. Street names, landmarks or mileposts can all be helpful in locating you.

 

What should I do if I call 911 by mistake?

If you call 911 by mistake, DO NOT HANG UP. Stay on the line and explain that you do not actually have an emergency. Everyone makes mistakes and there is no penalty for accidentally dialing 9-1-1. If a caller to 911 hangs up without stating the problem, the caller must be contacted in order to ensure that no actual emergency exists. This may involve the dispatching of police officers to a home or place of business in order to ensure that a problem does not exist.

 

If I need the police, but it's not an emergency, what number do I call?

If you need the police, but it is not of an emergency nature, please call our Public Safety non-emergency line at (708) 524-5999. Examples of calls that should be placed to the non-emergency line are:

Minor traffic accidents, which do not involve injuries.

Loud music or suspicious activity.

Late reported incidents such as a theft with no suspect information.

Requests for information.

 

If you are in doubt about whether your situation is an emergency; then play it safe and call 9-1-1