9-1-1 is a three-digit telephone number that can be used any time, day or night, for police, fire and/or emergency medical services.  9-1-1 saves valuable time in an emergency.  Statistics show it can take over two minutes for a person to locate their telephone directory, and another thirty seconds to locate the appropriate phone number.  In times of emergency, those minutes are critical - minutes that can be saved by remembering to dial 9-1-1.

9-1-1 is to be used only in emergencies - when the immediate response of law enforcement, fire services and/or emergency medical services are needed.  Some examples of when to call 9-1-1:

• When you see fire and/or smoke

• When you or someone with you is in danger

• When you see a crime in progress or a crime that has just occurred

• When you believe an ambulance is needed because someone is injured or ill

• When someone is trying to gain access to your residence

• When someone suspicious is prowling around your house or neighbor's residence

Some examples of when not to call 9-1-1:

• Requests for weather reports or road conditions

• To report utility problems, such as power outages, phone and water repairs

• To ask for directions and/or road names

• General information requests pertaining to police reports or correctional facilities

• Keys locked in vehicles (unless someone is trapped inside the vehicle)

• Requests for taxi service

• Requests for an ambulance for the purpose of a non-emergency routine transport

• Inquiries involving parade times, Halloween trick or treat times, business closing times during holidays, etc.

Remember - 9-1-1 is to be used for emergencies ONLY.  For non-emergencies, consult your telephone directory for the appropriate phone number for the agency you are trying to contact.  If you do not have a telephone directory, dial 1-4-1-1 for directory assistance.

To call 9-1-1 from a home or simple business phone, pick up the receiver and dial the numbers "9-1-1".  To call from a business extension, obtain an outside line and then dial the numbers "9-1-1".  To call 9-1-1 from a payphone, no money is required.  Simply pick up the receiver and dial the numbers "9-1-1".  To call 9-1-1 from a cellular phone, dial the numbers "9-1-1" and press the "Send" button (this button is normally green in color).  The 9-1-1 Telecommunicator will not know your location or your telephone number, because there will be no information showing on the 9-1-1 computer screens.  Be prepared to give your cellular phone number and your location. 

When you dial 9-1-1 in Harrison County, your call is automatically routed to the Harrison County Bureau Of Emergency Services.  The Bureau is the answering point for the whole of Harrison County and is responsible for the dispatch of emergency services.  In some cases, you may need to be transferred to another agency or answering point in another county.  You will be informed that you are being transferred and instructed to stay on the line.  Do not disconnect the line during the transfer.

Remember - 9-1-1 is not a toy.  It is a valuable resource for those in need of emergency assistance.  In all cases, it is vital you know the address and telephone number you are calling from in order to assist the Telecommunicator in sending you the help needed in a quick and efficient manner.

• Post your address, phone number and the nearest intersection to your residence by each telephone in the house.  The information can be used by anyone (babysitter, friend, visitor and/or family members) to give the information needed for a quick response

• Make sure your house number is visible from the street or clearly posted where your driveway joins the main road

• Explain to your children that 9-1-1 is not a game.  Speak to them about what is and what is not an emergency.  Stress to them that whenever they are in doubt, they are to dial 9-1-1.