What Happens When You Call 911?

When you call 9-1-1 in Harford County to request emergency help, the person who answers the phone is going to ask you a series of questions.

"What's the location of your emergency?"

Provide your address.
If you don't know it, describe your location as best you can: what's the closest cross street? What buildings do you see?
If you're on an interstate, check for a mile-marker.
If you're reporting an emergency at another address, make sure to tell the call-taker.

"What's the phone number you're calling from?"

We need this in case we get disconnected - the call-taker can call you back.

"Tell me exactly what happened."

Describe to the call-taker the nature of the emergency.

Once the call-taker has collected that information, they will remain on the line with you and determine what type of help you need. The information will be sent to a dispatcher, who will send the necessary agency and equipment to respond, whether it's police, fire or EMS, or a combination of those.

The call-taker will continue asking questions for information that will be forwarded to responding personnel.

Tips when calling 9-1-1

• Remain as calm as possible; take a breath and speak clearly.
• Answer the call-taker's questions to the best of your ability. If you don't know, it's OK to say that.
• Keep your answers short and to the point.
• Follow all instructions from the call-taker; they may be able to help you treat the patient until help arrives. They can instruct you to perform CPR, apply pressure to a wound, help deliver a baby or tell you to get out of a burning house.
• The call-taker will also tell you to turn on any outside lights, unlock the door and send someone outside, if possible.
• Stay on the line until the call-taker tells you it's OK to hang up.

Be prepared for a possible emergency

• Post 911 at the phone: Have 911 posted next to or on all telephones.
• Display house number: Make sure your house number is displayed so that emergency responders can find your home.
• Know nearest intersections: Know the nearest intersecting street to your address; this will help the operator provide directions to your location in cases of duplicate street names.
• Post important information: Post a card with your address, family name and telephone number next to the telephone to assist children and visitors in providing that information in an emergency.