WHEN TO CALL 9-1-1?

In the event of an EMERGENCY, do you know what to do?  In Vermont you can dial 9-1-1 to report an emergency.  This number will connect you to the nearest Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).  The PSAP will take your report of a crime, fire, medical emergency requiring the immediate response of a Police, Fire or Ambulance.

You should call 9-1-1 when you;

• Are a witness or victim of a crime in progress or one that has just occurred.
• Smell smoke or see a fire.
• Witness or are involved in a serious accident.
• Experience or know someone having a medical emergency, poisoning or serious injury.
• Witness any potentially dangerous situation.
• Are not sure if a situation is an emergency or not.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU CALL 9-1-1!

The 9-1-1 Call-taker will answer "Vermont 9-1-1, Where is your emergency?"

• STAY ON THE LINE, DO NOT HANG UP. 
• Remain Calm and Speak Clearly.
• Keep your answers short and to the point.
• The Vermont Enhanced 9-1-1 system is TTY compatible for the deaf, speech or hearing impaired.

Provide the 9-1-1 Call-taker the following information:

• The location of the emergency (Street Number, Street Name and City/Town).
• Your name and the telephone number you are calling from.
• What is the nature of the EMERGENCY?
• Answer all other questions ask by the 9-1-1 Call-taker.  The 9-1-1 Call-taker is required to ask these questions.  The information you provide will assist the 9-1-1 Call-taker in determining the appropriate emergency service providers to send.

The 9-1-1 Call-taker is following State and Nationally accepted standards for handling your emergency call.  The questions asked are designed to provide emergency responders with the information they need to prepare for the call and safely respond.   The Pre-Arrival instruction provided are designed to protect your safety and the safety of others during an emergency situation.

All Vermont 9-1-1 Call-takers are specially trained to handle emergency call.  9-1-1 Call-takers are required to attended a 9-1-1 Call-taker and Equipment Training sponsored by the Vermont Enhanced 9-1-1 Board.  Each year the 9-1-1 Call-takers are required to attend Continuing Education and Recertification Trainings that are sponsored or approved by the Vermont Enhanced 9-1-1 Board.  These trainings cover questioning techniques, call handling procedures, pre-arrival instructions and equipment operations.

WHAT IF I CALLED 9-1-1 BY MISTAKE?

DO NOT HANG-UP!

• Explain to the 9-1-1 Call-taker that you dialed 9-1-1 by accident.  The 9-1-1 Call-taker will ask you additional questions and connect you with your local Police Department.  This is normal procedure and it will be the Police Dispatcher that determines if a Police Officer is needed to respond to your location.
• If you hang-up, the 9-1-1 Call-taker will attempt to call you back and notify your local Police Department to dispatch a Police Officer to your location to make sure no emergency exists.

WHEN NOT TO CALL 9-1-1?

Non-emergency calls:

• Your home or property was broken into or vandalized yesterday.
• Your car was stolen sometime overnight.
• Someone stole your bike while you were at school.
• You have additional information for a previous Police Report.

These calls should be directed to the your local police, fire or EMS agency.  Please check you local telephone listings (White Pages) for these numbers.

Informational Calls:

• You want to know why the police, fire or ambulance are at a neighbors home.
• You want to know about Road or Traffic conditions.  This information can be obtained by call 5-1-1 or clicking on the Road or Travel Information link below.
• Why is my power out or when will my power be turned back on.  Power outages should be directed to your local Power Company.  Please check your local telephone listing (White Pages or contact Directory Assistance) for the company's telephone number.
• Why is my water turned off or when will my water be turned back on.  Water outages should be directed to your local Water Company.  Please check you local telephone listings (White Pages or contact Directory Assistance) for the company's telephone number.

Helpful Tips:

Post directions to your home near each telephone so it is available for anyone who needs to make a 9-1-1 call.  Include your Address (House #, Apartment #, Street Name and City/Town Name), Telephone and Homeowner's Name.  It is also good to provide nearest intersecting streets and a description of your home or business.  Special information, such as medical conditions, medications or hazards should also be noted.

John Doe or ACME Business

1234 Anywhere Road, Apt 2

Anytown, VT

(802) 555-1234

 

Anywhere Road is between Somewhere Ave and Nowhere Dr.

White 2 story wood-frame with red shutters. 

 

INFORMATION:

Tips for Parents

Tips for TTY/TDD Callers

Tips for Cellular Callers

Tips for Reporting Fire Emergencies

Tips for Reporting Medical Emergencies

Tips for Reporting Police Emergencies

Road or Travel Information

If you have additional questions or would like more information about 9-1-1, please feel free to contact the Shelburne Communications Center at (802) 985-8051 or the Vermont Enhanced 9-1-1 Board.

If you have a complaint relating to a 9-1-1 call, please feel free to contact the Vermont Enhanced 9-1-1 Board.

STATE OF VERMONT ENHANCED 9-1-1 BOARD

94 STATE STREET, DRAWER 20

Updated:  04/01/2011