Who can call 9-1-1? Anyone in Oakland County can call the 9-1-1 system in the event of an emergency. Dialing 9-1-1 within Oakland County will immediately contact emergency aid agencies within Oakland County.
9-1-1 is for emergencies.
Only dial 9-1-1 if you have an emergency. An emergency is a situation that poses an immediate threat to human life or serious damage to property requiring police, fire department and/or paramedics.
When reporting an emergency:
Remain calm and speak slowly.
To effectively help you, the dispatcher will need to acquire certain information such as your name, location, contact number, what is happening, who is involved, whether anyone is injured, etc.
Let the dispatcher ask the questions.
Stay on the line for any additional information or procedures until the dispatcher instructs you to hang up.
How can I get a hold of the police or fire station in non-emergencies?
Use the department's seven-digit phone number plus area code in non-emergencies. This number can be found in a local phone directory.
When every second counts
In an emergency there may be no time to hesitate. By calling 9-1-1 immediately you may help save someone's life.
What is considered an emergency?
Crimes in progress.
Fires
Immediate life threatening situations (heart attack or other medical emergencies).
Environmental hazards (hazardous material spill).
Drug activity (overdose, poison).
Robberies
Traffic accidents with serious injuries.
Severe food allergies.
Vandalism
Additional incidents where you or someone else needs the help of police, fire or EMS.
Can I call from a....
Business? Yes, you may need to dial an outside line such as a 9 or 8 before dialing 9-1-1.
Home? Yes
Cell Phone? Yes, however, dispatchers do not receive the phone number or address from where the call initiated. Make sure you know where you are and a contact number they can reach you at.
VOIP (Internet)? Be aware of the type of 9-1-1 service you have by contacting your VOIP provider.
Pay Phone? Yes, dialing 9-1-1 does not require any coins.
DO NOT.... If you dialed 9-1-1 by mistake, DO NOT hang up the telephone. Instead wait on the line until you reach a dispatcher and explain that you accidentally dialed 9-1-1. If you hang up, the dispatcher will call back. If they cannot reach you, they will dispatch a police officer to confirm that you are OK.
Do not dial 9-1-1 to see if it works.
Do not call 9-1-1 for directory assistance or non-emergencies. Instead, use the seven digit (plus the area code) number.
Do not call 9-1-1 as a prank.
Do not hang up if you do not immediately hear a dial tone. Sometimes the network has a delay in obtaining a line. Be patient. Do not hang up if you reach a recording. Wait on the line for the next available operator.
Do not hang up until the dispatcher instructs you to.
Do not call 9-1-1 for a pet.
Do not panic. If you talk too fast, the operator may have trouble understanding you.
Do not program 9-1-1 into speed dialing. This can lead to you accidentally calling 9-1-1.
Do not call 9-1-1 to report a crime that happened yesterday.
County will immediately contact emergency aid agencies within Oakland County.