Emergency Reporting

Reporting an Emergency – How and When to use 9-1-1

New Jersey State Enhanced 9-1-1 is a system designed to provide a means of rapid communication with police, fire, or medical services in times of emergencies. It provides the address connected with the telephone to the 9-1-1 operator as soon as a connection is made. Help can be on the way even if conversation becomes impossible.

WHAT is 9-1-1?
9-1-1 is the universal emergency telephone number that you can dial for free – from any phone ,twenty-four (24) hours a day – for police, fire, or emergency medical services.

When should I dial 9-1-1?
Dial 9-1-1 immediately when life or property is in imminent danger.
Don’t wait for someone else to make the call!

How does 9-1-1 work?
Your 9-1-1 call will be answered by someone who is trained in handling emergency telephone calls. This person  is trained to ask questions to help determine the appropriate agencies to respond to the emergency.

What if my phone requires an access number for an outside line?
In some locations, such as office buildings, it may be necessary to dial an access number (usually the digit 9) to get an outside line before you can dial 9-1-1.

How do I use 9-1-1?
Remain calm: Speak clearly. Provide the 9-1-1 dispatcher the following information:

– Where is the emergency?
– What is the emergency?
– Who is calling and who is involved?

They may also request the  phone number you are calling from and your address and name.
You may request to remain anonymous but the information is helpful if the emergency responders are unable to locate the emergency upon arrival.  The 9-1-1 call taker also needs to know if other parties are involved and if so, may request names, descriptions, or extent of injuries

Please stay on the telephone. Answer the operator’s questions and follow any instructions you may be given.

EDUCATE YOUR FAMILY IN THE USE OF 9-1-1

(If you call 9-1-1 by accident, or if you think the emergency has gone away, you should still stay on the phone and explain what happened to the 9-1-1 operator.  The 9-1-1 operator may ask you questions to make sure everything is really OK and that there is no need to send any more help.  If something happens where you can’t talk or you have to leave the telephone, don’t hang up.  Keep the phone off the hook so the 9-1-1 operator can hear what is happening. When you call 9-1-1 from a regular phone the address of the phone will show up on the 9-1-1 operator’s computer and help to find you.)