The basics of calling 9-1-1
There are several things to keep in mind when calling 9-1-1 for police, fire or emergency medical assistance. The following frequently asked questions address important considerations related to emergency communications. For additional assistance, contact the E-911 Program Office at 206-296-3910.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send text or picture messages to
9-1-1 ?
No, the current 9-1-1 system is designed for voice communications. Other types of data, such as text messages, pictures and video cannot be accurately interpreted by the system, and therefore cannot be directly received by the 9-1-1 centers. For more information, visit our 9-1-1 and Wireless phones page. For information on the upgrade of the 9-1-1 system in order to communicate with modern communications devices, visit our Next Generation 9-1-1 System (NG911) page.
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What is Enhanced or E-911?
The Enhanced 9-1-1 system has been operating in King County since September 4, 1985. This system allows citizens of King County to use one number in an emergency and be selectively routed to the correct call center. This selective routing is based on the address for wireline and internet/broadband telephones and is based on the cell site that processes the call for wireless phones.
9-1-1 calls are directly routed to the police 9-1-1 centers, which may or may not also be the fire/medial 9-1-1 center. If fire or medical services are needed and the police call center does not handle these types of calls, you will then be transferred. This transfer procedure is done very quickly by well trained call receivers using equipment that transfers with the click of a button.
The Enhanced system also provides automatic number and location identification on a screen at the 9-1-1 center. Wireline phones display the phone number, address, and subscriber information on the 9-1-1 screen, which the call receiver will verify. Internet/broadband (also called VoIP) phones display the phone number, address and subscriber information that the subscriber has entered, so it is extremely important that internet/broadband customers keep their information up to date with their provider. Wireless phones will provide the phone number (if the phone has active service with a wireless company) and a general area the wireless phone is in. Depending on the wireless coverage in the area and the type of wireless phone, the accuracy of the location provided varies greatly. 9-1-1 callers using a wireless phone should always be prepared to provide their location to the 9-1-1 center.
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When should I call 9-1-1?
9-1-1 should only be called if you need an emergency response from police, fire or emergency medical personnel. For non-emergencies call your local police or fire department or other appropriate agency.
Examples of when to call 9-1-1 include:
- A serious medical emergency (chest pains, seizures, bleeding, etc.)
- Any type of fire (structure, vehicle, brush, etc.)
- Any crime in-progress (robbery, burglary, prowler, fights, etc.)
- Any other life threatening situations (traffic accident with injuries, etc.)
Some common reasons that people call 9-1-1 that can and should be handled by other agencies include:
- Power outage: You should call your utilities company if you have questions or need to report a power outage.
- Traffic information: 5-1-1 is the number for traffic information in Washington State.
- Social services: 2-1-1 is available in Washington State to help with health and human service needs.
In the case of an area-wide emergency, do not use your telephone for the first few hours following the event unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need to call 9-1-1. If you must reach friends or family, call or text an out of area contact. In an area-wide emergency, such as an earthquake, the best way to help yourself and your loved ones is to be prepared by having a plan in place and a kit prepared. Listening to a battery powered radio is the best way to get information about the emergency, and following an emergency, you can contact your local emergency management agency for recovery information.
If you are involved in or witness an auto accident where medical or police assistance is needed, call 9-1-1. However if you pass an auto accident and it does not appear that assistance is needed, or you see involved parties on a wireless phone, or emergency personnel have already arrived, please do not call 9-1-1.
9-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, and if you need us we want to help. Please use 9-1-1 only when you need an emergency response from police, fire or emergency medical personnel, to ensure that this important service is available for those who are having a real emergency.
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What will I be asked if I call 9-1-1?
For all 9-1-1 calls you will be asked for the location of the emergency, the phone number you are calling from and the nature of your emergency. Once the nature of the emergency is established, the call receiver will ask you questions pertaining to your emergency and may give you pre-arrival instructions in the case of a medical emergency. It is important to speak clearly and to answer all of the questions the call receiver asks you as calmly and completely as possible. 9-1-1 call receivers are trained to ask specific questions that relate to the type of emergency you are experiencing. While you may be asked many questions, this information is not delaying a response by emergency personnel. In fact, emergency personnel are typically dispatched as soon as the location and nature of the emergency is known. The 9-1-1 center will continue to relay the necessary information to the emergency personal while they ask you questions, and in some cases they may keep you on the phone until help arrives.
Never hang up until the 9-1-1 call receiver tells you to do so, unless there is a threat to your safety.
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What if I call 9-1-1 by mistake?
Should you ever call 9-1-1 by mistake, stay on the phone and tell the call receiver that you misdialed, and that you do not have an emergency. If you hang up the call receiver will try to call you back, and may dispatch an officer if they cannot determine that no emergency exists.
It is important to teach children that 9-1-1 is available if they need emergency assistance, but that the phone is not a toy and it is not a joke to call 9-1-1.
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What if I have a problem calling 9-1-1?
Wireline phones are the most reliable for calling 9-1-1, so whenever possible use a wireline phone when you need to call 9-1-1. Pay phones can be used to call 9-1-1 without inserting coins. In case of power outages, be aware that VoIP/Internet/Broadband phone service will not work. If you have wireline phone service, you should keep a basic, corded phone that does not require electricity available to use during power outages. In addition, emergency phones are installed on the outside of many police and fire stations.
If your address has displayed incorrectly when you call 9-1-1, you should contact your telephone service provider to have your information corrected.
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What if I need assistance to make a 9-1-1 call?
If you do not speak English or have trouble conveying the needed information in English, interpretation services are available at all 9-1-1 centers in King County.
If you are deaf or hearing impaired, 9-1-1 centers are equipped with TTY devices and call receivers are trained in their use.
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Can I call 9-1-1 from a wireless phone with no active service?
Wireless phones with no active service can still call 9-1-1, as long as they have batter power. However, be aware that limited information will be available to the 9-1-1 center, and if you are disconnected the 9-1-1 center will not be able to call you back.
There are serious problems with 9-1-1 centers receiving repeated calls from children playing with de-activated wireless phones. These calls tie up 9-1-1 lines so real emergency calls cannot get through. In 2008, 86% of the 9-1-1 calls from de-activated wireless phones were inappropriate calls, including misdials, hang-ups, or harassing calls. To help solve this problem, please do not give your old wireless phones to children to play with.
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Please use 9-1-1 responsibly. Call only if you need an emergency response from police, fire or medics. For non-emergencies call your local police or fire department or other appropriate agency.
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