WHEN TO
CALL
911
WHAT IS 911 ?
The entire premise behind 911 is to ensure the public has access to the correct 911 center regardless of where you are located . The system is designed to automatically route your number to the correct 911 center based on your geographic location . This system gives you fast and easy access to a Public Safety Answering Point .
911 is a three-digit phone number that you can use when you need the assistance of an emergency responder . Whether you need to reach emergency medical services , law enforcement , or the fire department , 9-1-1 is the number to know . One number is all you need to report a crime , report a fire , or save a life .
When you call 911 , a Washington County 911 call taker answers the phone and determines what type of incident you are reporting , Police , Fire , or Ambulance . As they take your information , the notes are typed into the computer system and the appropriate dispatcher is made aware of the situation and the details of the call .
This process is followed for every call from a parking complaint to the smell of something burning to medical emergencies .
POLICE – WHEN TO CALL 911
If you need to see a police officer to report a lost or stolen credit card , call 911 ; to report a minor vehicle crash , call 911 ; to report a burglary of your home , call 911 ; if you wish to report damage to your property , call 911 ; to file a report just for insurance purposes , call 991 ; or to report an assault , call 911 . Regardless of the reason , if you need to speak with a police officer , you should call 911 .
FIRE – WHEN TO CALL 911
Although the fire department is staffed 24 / 7 / 365 , it ’ s important to remember that the crews spend much of their day out in the community on emergency incidents , fire prevention activities , training , and planning for future emergencies . If you ’ re experiencing an issue important enough to call the fire station , please call 911 .
AMBULANCE – WHEN TO CALL 911
If you have a medical concern , no matter how big or small your medical concern might be , make sure you call 911 so that the Ambulance Service can be reached wherever we are in the community . We want to come serve you , right at your doorstep , whenever you may possibly need us .
WASHINGTON COUNTY 911
All Washington County 911 call takers are trained professionals with the required training and experience to take your call , ask questions , gather specific information , and to evaluate the nature of your emergency . The call-taker will confirm your location and telephone number right away . When you remain calm , answer all questions , and stay on the line , you will help the call-taker better understand the situation and the help you need .
While on the phone with you , call takers enter the information you provide into the computer aided dispatch system . This system is then used to notify the proper emergency services personnel .
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE , CALL 911
We are all familiar with 911 from movies , television , and media . Unfortunately , we have been conditioned to believe we should only call 911 in an extreme emergency . However , that is NOT the case ! You call 9-1-1 in many situations . From reporting a stolen credit card , minor accident , or crime in progress to a medical emergency or fire . If you need the assistance of an emergency responder , call 911 .
Peters Township Community Television produced a video on When to Call 911 . We encourage everyone to watch the video . The video is available on the Township website under News or simply go to peterstownship . com / whentocall911 . The video will also be shown on the public access channels , as well as posted on social media channels . eters Township PETERS TOWNSHIP NEWS www . peterstownship . com 724.941.4180
PETERS TOWNSHIP ❘ DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 11