What questions to expect when you call 9-1-1
(alternate emergency # 408-736-6244)
* Non-Emergency Guidelines below
· What is the location of the emergency?
· What is the number you are calling from?(incase the call is dropped – especially if using a cell phone)
· What’s the problem, tell me exactly what happened?
· If you are reporting a medical emergency, the dispatcher will ask you questions regarding the injured or sick person. Be assured that while they are asking you questions, another dispatcher in the room is sending the fire department and paramedics to your location via the two way radio.
· If a crime is involved, and you saw or can see a suspect, be prepared to give a description
o Sex, race, age, height, weight, hair color/length, color of eyes
o Clothing – hat/cap, jacket/coat, shirt, pants, shoes
o Other pertinent information such as scars, marks, tattoos
o Vehicle description if necessary (license plate number, color, make, model, style, old or new, 2 door or 4 door, how many occupants, which way did it go, other distinct features (dents, stickers, etc.).
o If WEAPONS were involved, what type, how many and who was in possession of the weapons.
· Some examples of crime emergencies that should be reported by calling 9-1-1 (or, emergency # 408-736-6244) are:
o Homicides
o Domestic violence
o Fights, sexual assaults, etc
o Robberies
o Kidnappings/Abductions
o Child or elder abuse
o Sounds of gunshots, screaming, breaking glass, explosions, alarms, etc.
o Hit and run accidents with possible injuries
o Road hazards that require immediate attention to prevent personal injuries and property damage
o Runaway juvenile or mission person who needs special care—be sure to tell the dispatcher if the person needs medication and has a special problem, e.g., Alzheimer’s disease
o Persons who are:
o Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
o Entering a neighbor’s home when the neighbor is away
o Forcing an entry of a home, business, or vehicle
o Exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms that poses a threat to him/herself or others
* Non-Emergency Guidelines
Some examples of non-emergencies that should be reported to 408-730-7180 are:
- loud music and party complaints
- delayed reports of burglaries, or vandalism
- barking dog complaints
-parking complaints
Services
The 911 Communications Center provides 24 hour answering of all emergency and non-emergency police, fire and medical aid calls. The Communications Center has a direct link with the California Language Line, as a state funded 9-1-1 program, it provides our center with emergency translation for public safety in more than 140 languages and dialects. Using radio communication, mobile computers and a computerized Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS), the Communications Center is able to process requests and expedite the dispatch of emergency police and fire personnel in an emergency.
The Communications Center provides equal access to 9-1-1 services for callers who use Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TTY). TTY users may call 9-1-1, or use the 10-digit emergency line (408-736-6244). Although it is not required, TTY users can expedite recognition of their call by the 9-1-1 dispatcher by tapping the spacebar on the TTY every few seconds. Tapping the spacebar sends tones to equipment at the 9-1-1 center notifying the dispatcher that the call may be a TTY call.