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9-1-1 Calls for Police, Fire and Medical
• Have your information ready, because you could be the difference in saving a life or assisting someone in need.
• Remain calm when calling and answer all questions. “Listen” to the telecommunicator.
• Know your location… don’t assume we know where you are.
• Make sure your residence is clearly marked for first responders (residence and road).
Remember: Answering questions does NOT delay the dispatch of assistance. A dispatcher is sending help your way while the Call Taker takes additional information from you. The more pertinent information you give us, the safer everyone will be.
TEXT to 9-1-1 is available
• Call when you can and text when you can’t.
• This is especially useful in certain situations; domestic abuse, kidnapping, crimes in progress and deaf or hard of hearing persons.
Call 9-1-1 by mistake?
• Don’t hang up. Our policy is to send a police officer to investigate the hang up.
Prank or unwanted calls are a nuisance and illegal.
Non-emergency calls (803-329-1110) help our telecommunicators to prioritize calls
• Non- emergency calls are:
o Directions or navigation needs
o Call directory (need phone numbers)
o Jail, tickets, court dates, warrants, laws
o Minor motor vehicle accidents – no personal injury or slight vehicle damage
o Non-threatening medical emergencies – mild food poisoning, slight fever, nausea, minor cuts should consider their physician or emergency clinics
Voice Over Internet Protocol phones (VOIP) are newer services from your phone or internet company.
• Remember, VOIP phones may not work when there is a power outage. Older phone (copper wire) lines were separate and did work when the power was out.
• VOIP calls may not connect automatically with 9-1-1 (check with your provider).
• VOIP phones can give inaccurate location to an Enhanced 9-1-1 Center
• Inform children or babysitters of VOIP limitations and calling 9-1-1.
• If you have questions regarding your VOIP service, please call your provider for details.
• For more information on VOIP services the FCC provides a consumer guide “VOIP and 911 Service.” VoIP and 911 Service (fcc.gov)
Mass Notification – if you want to know when there are significant issues (crimes in progress or environmental concerns) sign up for “Code Red” on our website. Most homes today have given up their common household phones and we can’t communicate with you unless you sign up your mobile phone.
Teaching Children About 9-1-1
9-1-1 is the number you call if police, fire or medical assistance is needed
Make sure your children are familiar with the types of phones you own and how to use them
Remember, you can text 9-1-1 if you cannot call
It is important to emphasize the difference between an emergency and a non-emergency
Provide the 9-1-1 Telecommunicator with all of the information asked, especially an address and telephone number
Speak clearly and calmly so the 9-1-1 Telecommunicator can understand what the emergency is
Public Safety Communications is constantly striving for new and educational components that benefit our citizens, especially our children. The acronym C.O.P.E. is particularly significant currently as we navigate through local issues as well as countrywide.