Calling 9-1-1 is easy ... from a telephone in Dutchess County, listen for a dial tone, and then simply dial 9-1-1. You do not need a coin when using a pay phone.

- What happens when you call 9-1-1? -

1.   When the 9-1-1 Call-taker answers the phone, you will be asked to verify the location from where you are calling and to describe the nature of the emergency.

2.  At this point help is already being sent. Even though the 911 call-taker is still talking to you on the phone, a second person (dispatcher) is sending help. Now the call-taker will ask you additional questions such as, "What is your name?" and any other questions that are pertinent to sending you the help you need. Sometimes it may seem the questions asked are unimportant. But every question asked is important to the units responding to your call. In the case of a medical emergency, several questions will be asked about the patient. All of them are relevant. The 911 call-taker will also provide instructions for you to assist the patient until the ambulance arrives.

3.  Stay calm, answer all questions asked by the 911 call-taker and do not hang up until instructed to do so.

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- When to Call 9-1-1 -

Call 9-1-1 to report:

    A fire

    A person choking

    A person having a heart attack

    A shooting

    A traffic accident

    A person screaming

    Someone breaking into your home or a neighbor's home

    A fight or display of weapons

An emergency is any situation that to preserve life or property, immediate response by emergency medical agencies, fire or police is required.

- When Not to use 9-1-1 -

Do not call 9-1-1 to: