Danville 911 Center

Things to know when calling 911:

• Be patient. When a dispatcher takes your call, they will send the responding agency (s) immediately. However, they may continue to ask questions in order to provide first responders with helpful information ahead of their arrival on scene. 
• Don’t hang up! Even if you call by mistake, the dispatcher needs to know you’re okay. They will ask for information to confirm you are not in any kind of distress. Otherwise, the dispatcher will call you back and this may take valuable time away from other callers. 
• Know your location. If you don’t know your address, try to identify landmarks, businesses or street signs nearby. While the location of a mobile phone may be helpful, it may not always be accurate, and it saves precious time to have this information on-hand for dispatchers. 
• Follow directions. Depending on the situation, the dispatcher may ask you to act for your safety or the safety of others. Stay on the line, listen carefully, and follow directions until help arrives.