When Should I Call
9-1-1?

Whenever there is an emergency!

Examples:

• difficulty breathing

• chest pain

• sudden dizziness or loss of balance

• loss of consciousness

• heavy bleeding or other trauma (physical injury)

• signs of a stroke (see video below)

• severe allergic reaction

• visible flames or heavy smoke from a structure or wild area

• a motor vehicle accident with injuries

• a motor vehicle accident involving hazardous materials, or where vehicles are causing a traffic hazard

• erratic drivers

• suspicious person carrying a weapon

• a person threatening or committing violence against another person

• someone breaking into a home or business

These are examples, and there can never be a list of every possible emergency. If you're not sure if something is an emergency, call 9-1-1.

9-1-1 should only be used for emergencies. Examples of situations that are usually not emergencies include:

• Minor cuts, bruising, or burns (without heavy bleeding)

• Smelling smoke (with no visible smoke or flames)

• General flu-like symptoms

• Needing a ride to the doctor's office

• To report a crime that is no longer in progress

• To report a traffic accident when there are no injuries and vehicles are not causing an ongoing hazard

• To report a barking dog or loud party

• To report a burst water pipe or power outage

• To request help for an injured, sick, or lost pet

When considering calling 9-1-1 to report a suspicious person or someone acting strangely, ask yourself whether the person presents a potential threat to themselves or others before calling 9-1-1.

Again, if you're in doubt about whether a situation is an emergency or not, call 9-1-1.