HOW TO USE THE 9-1-1 SYSTEM

Enhanced 9-1-1 from a land line telephone is available in Cullman County anytime you need help in an emergency. When you dial 9-1-1 we receive a computer display of your name, address and phone number so help may be sent quickly to your home or business. Your location is displayed on a map in the Public Service Answering Point (PSAP) shortly after the 9-1-1 call is answered.

If a 9-1-1 call is made using a cellular telephone and it is configured with Phase II location capability then information will be displayed on a computer showing the callers name, telephone number and location on a map within FCC guidelines. 9-1-1 calls may also be made using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephones. The location is displayed only if the provider has configured their system for E9-1-1 processing at the PSAP.

This web page offers a general overview on how to use the 9-1-1 System. Please consider using the following guidelines when you have an emergency:

WHAT IS A 9-1-1 EMERGENCY?

You should never dial 9-1-1 UNLESS IT IS A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. To do so would tie up an emergency line unnecessarily.

  • DIAL 9-1-1 TO REPORT A FIRE.
  • DIAL 9-1-1 TO REPORT AN ACCIDENT.
  • DIAL 9-1-1 IF YOU NEED AN AMBULANCE FOR ANY MEDICAL EMERGENCY. (Not for routine transport services).
  • DIAL 9-1-1 ANYTIME YOU FEEL YOUR LIFE IS THREATENED.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

If you need the Police or Sheriff dial 9-1-1. Do not call 9-1-1 for basic information or to report minor problems like barking dogs or a loud party.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

In case of any fire dial 9-1-1. Small fires can quickly become large so do not hesitate to call immediately. Your local fire department will be advised of your location so they can respond as quickly as possible.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL

For a medical emergency dial 9-1-1. If you need an ambulance 9-1-1 can connect you to the ambulance dispatch center.

TALK TO THE CALL TAKER

WHAT THE 9-1-1 DISPATCHER WILL NEED TO KNOW:

  • MY 9-1-1 ADDRESS IS_________________
  • MY PHONE NUMBER IS_______________
  • MY EMERGENCY IS__________________
  • STAY CALM AND ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS ASKED BY THE 9-1-1 DISPATCHER.

ONLY IN THE RARE CASE WHERE THE CALLER CANNOT TALK WILL THE INFORMATION ON THE 9-1-1 SCREEN BE USED TO DISPATCH AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE.

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