Functions of 9-1-1:
The citizens of York County need to know the one number to call in the event of an emergency, whether it be a police, fire, or medical situation is 9-1-1.
York County operates an enhanced 9-1-1 system, which means upon receipt of a 9-1-1 call our system will display:
- the name of the individual/business that is responsible for the telephone bill
- the address and telephone number where the call is coming from
The 9-1-1 Center is York County's primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). The 9-1-1 Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is located in the Emergency Operations Center, in downtown Rock Hill.
Effective emergency service depends on professionally trained staff, efficiency of operations and equipment and an informed and educated public.
Other functions of the York County Office of Emergency Management Telecommunications Division (9-1-1) include:
- NAWAS (National Warning Point for emergency management)
- Activation point for York County Outdoor Warning Siren System
- Educational programs on emergency services provided to schools and other organizations
- Coordination of emergency communications with county, state, and federal agencies
- Contact point for emergencies at the Catawba Nuclear Station
- Dispatch of 17 Fire Departments
- Dispatch of 7 Rescue Squads
- Dispatch of 8 Piedmont Emergency Medical Service Units
After hours notification of:
- York County American Red Cross
- York County Animal Control
- York County Coroner
- York County Department of Fire Safety
- York County Department of Social Services
- York County Water and Sewer
The Telecommunications Division is committed to efficiently and compassionately answering the public's call for emergency service response.
Some frequently asked questions regarding 9-1-1:
Where can I make a 9-1-1 call from?
Any telephone in York County. 911 calls from payphones are free of charge.
Who will answer my 9-1-1 call?
A 9-1-1 telecommunicator is always ready to take your call. Your call will be received by asking "York County 9-1-1, do you need police, fire, or medical?" Depending on your type of emergency, you will be asked several follow-up questions to determine how best to respond to the situation.
What if I call 9-1-1 by mistake?
Stay on the line, do not hang up and advise the call was a mistake. The 9-1-1 telecommunicator will log your name and number as a non-emergency call. If you hang up, the telecommunicator will call you back to see if you need help. If you do not answer, officers will be dispatched to check your well-being. Staying on the line avoids confusion for everyone involved.
What if I want to make a business call to the 9-1-1 office?
To reach the operations office call (803) 329-7270. This number operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What if I'm not sure about a possible emergency?
Call 9-1-1 and state the situation. If you think you smell smoke or natural gas; if you hear a noise that frightens you or if you think you or a loved one needs an ambulance, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1.
It's also important to know when not to dial 9-1-1.
- Do not call to ask for medical advice or the name of a doctor.
***Call your family health physician's office.***
- Do not call for a burning permit.
***For GENERAL burning notification, call (800) 517-9644 and enter option one. This is an automated system for the citizen to give their Name, Address of the general backyard burn, and the location telephone number.***
- Do not call and ask to speak to a member of the police, fire, or medical response staff.
***Call the appropriate station for staff personnel.***
- Do not call to report power outages.
***Call your utility company.***
- Do not call for telephone number inquiries.
***Call 4-1-1 for telephone listings or consult your local telephone directory.***