Operator: This is 9-1-1, how may I help you?
Caller: Uh, I lost my shoe!
Operator: I hardly call that an emergency!
Take a second to think about this 9-1-1 call. Do you call that an emergency? Not exactly when you compare it to the following call:
Operator: This is 9-1-1, how may I help you?
Caller: HELP! My house is on fire!
This definitely falls into the emergency category. 9-1-1 is very important in everyone's community. It is just as important that you know when and how to use 9-1-1. 9-1-1 can make the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. In addition, it is the quickest, easiest way to contact local emergency help; such as fire, police, and medical services. All you have to do is pick up the phone, listen for the dial tone, and dial 9-1-1.
***Remember - STAY CALM when you call 9-1-1. They will be able to understand you better and get the information out to the police, EMS, and firefighters quicker.
Okay, you may ask, "What is an EMERGENCY?" An emergency is when police, fire, or medical help is needed immediately, now, to protect a life or property. The following are suitable for calling 9-1-1:
When situations like these occur, they classify as emergencies and you should contact 9-1-1 right then. When you aren't sure if you have an emergency on hand, call 9-1-1 and the operator will make the final decision. Below are instances that you do not call 9-1-1 for.
If you need an officer to come assist you for a non-emergency call you can call the dispatch center at (316) 320-1294. You will hear a recording directing you to the appropriate agency.
***Also, NEVER give false information, or make a situation sound worse than what it really is. It is against the law.
What is REVERSE 9-1-1 you ask? Is it where you dial 9-1-1 backwards? Not exactly. Reverse 9-1-1 is similar to that of 9-1-1. However, instead of you calling 9-1-1, 9-1-1 calls you. Are you confused now? Let's take a look at the information below.
This system will be used to alert households in areas that may have one of the following, just to name a few:
Once Reverse 9-1-1 is established, the system can be set-up to call designated areas. An area will be selected, and 12 phones will go to work calling every household within that area. When a person answers the phone, he/she will here Dan Dillon's (from KFDI) recorded voice with the nature of the incident. The recording will either give you all the details, or give you a number to contact for further information. So when you hear a recorded voice come on the phone, do not hang-up. Stay on the phone and listen to information, or hand the phone to your parents.
Reverse 9-1-1 is now up and running. This system should prove to be very beneficial in many ways. However, there are certain things Reverse 9-1-1 cannot do. Take a look below.
Would you like to see some pictures of the new Butler County 9-1-1 dispatch center or take a glimpse of our dispatching staff? If so, go to the following link. This site is maintained by one of the 9-1-1 dispatchers. www.cyberlodge.com/dprobst/911