When the 9-1-1 number was inaugurated in Haleyville (Ala.) as the result of an AT&T proposal, it was intended as an easily-remember, no-coin method of reaching the correct law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies. However, since 9-1-1 procedures are under the control of local agencies, many different policies have developed for the proper use of 9-1-1 since it's first use. Today, officials estimate that over 270,000 calls are made to 9-1-1 each day in the United States.

 When calling 911

It is very important that the caller remain calm. It is difficult to understand a caller that is not calm. The dispatchers understand that you have an emergency and will do their best to assist you. The dispatcher will need to ask the caller a series of questions to understand what is happening. The dispatcher will want to know the following information:

• Who - Who is this happening to?

• What - What is happening?

• Where - Where is this happening?

• When - When did this happen?

• Why - Why is this happening?

• Weapons - Are there any weapons?

The dispatcher will send assistance once enough basic information has been gathered. The dispatcher may want to gather additional information once assistance has been sent. Stay on the line until told to hang up by the dispatcher.

The 911 system was developed to provide quick access to help for those who need it. 911 should only be dialed in an emergency. An emergency is when an immediate threat to life or property exists. Some examples of when to call 911 include:

• Call when there is a physical fight occurring.

• Call when something is on fire.

• Call when you observe a crime in progress.

• Call when somebody is sick or injured.

Don't call 911 for the following:

• Don't call when the power is goes out.

• Don't call to test your phone.

• Don't call to check the time.

• Don't call to find out a phone number.

• Don't call and hang up.

• Don't call as a prank.

• Don't call to find out if school is open.

• Don't call for a taxi.