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401 Ash Street
Staunton, Illinois
(Office)
618-635-3290
Dispatch
(Staunton Police Dept.)
618-635-3333
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Commonly Asked Questions
What is 911?
- 911 is a three digit phone number set aside for use
as to report emergencies throughout the United States. 911
is not available everywhere, but 911 coverage areas are
still expanding. (If 911 is not available in your area place
the correct emergency numbers by your phone.)
When Do I Call 911?
- 911 is designed for emgency use. Only use 911 if you
have an emergency or a problem that require immediate assistance
from Law Enforcement Agencies, Fire Departments, or Emergency
Medical Services. Do not call regarding business questions
or billing information, for this information call the non-emergency
numbers listed in the phone book.
How Do I Call 911?
- To call 911 from a home phone or simple business phone,
pick up the phone and dial 911. From a business (other than
simple) phone obtain an outside line (usually dialing 9)
then dial 911. You can call 911 from a pay phone without
money, just dial 911. To call from a cellular or mobile
phone press 911 (NO LOCATION INFORMATION WILL BE DISPLAYED
AT THE 911 DISPATCH CENTER)
What Do I Do When I Call
911?
- Remain calm and speak clearly. Tell the 911 dispatcher
what the emergency is and the location of the emergency.
The dispatcher will then ask you more questions. Provide
the best answer you can. ALWAYS BE THE LAST TO HANGUP.
Who Can Call?
- Anyone can call. Children should be taught to call
911 for police, fire or EMS help. They should be taught
that 911 is for EMERGENCY use only. The sight-impaired can
use the digits, 911 on the phone or use a preprogramed speed
dial button.
Proper Uses Of 911
911 is meant for EMERGENCIES only. Do not use
911 for directory assistance, to get telephone repair,
to contact an individual (for non-emergency information)
with fire, police, or EMS agencies, or for EMS billing
questions. For these type of calls, look up the non-emergency
number in the phone directory.
- 911 Emergency Examples
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- Someone breaking into your home now or one of
your neighbors' homes
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- Shooting
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- Fires
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- Traffic accidents
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- Choking
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- Fights or displays of weapons
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- Any medical emergencies
- Non-Emergency Examples
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- Abandoned vehicle
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- Loud party
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- Barking dog
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- Vandalism
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- Power outage
Remember 911 is not for jokes, it is for those who need help.
Some Don'ts For 911
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- Never make a test call to 911. These test call
occupy the dispatcher and tie up phone lines and equipment.
The telephone company has designed 911 to be highly reliable,
so it will work when you need it. Please keep the lines
free for people who have EMERGENCIES.
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- Never call 911 and hang up. If you accidently
call 911 DO NOT hang up, let the dispatcher know that
you accidently called. Enhanced 911 systems provides both
the calling telephone number and the location of the telephone.
Most policies on "hang up" calls is to call back and attempt
to verify if there is an emergency. If verifaction can
not be obtained, then units are sent to the address. This
ensures that a person who is incapacitated can recieve
help without having to talk on the phone. Unfortunately,
most hang up calls are false and tie up valuable manpower
and equipment, which may be need elsewhere.
Page Last Updated:
Saturday, 11-Aug-2007 22:57
© 1996-2007 Staunton
Area Ambulance Service
http://www.staunton-ambulance.org/911.htm
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