POLICE-FIRE-AMBULANCE

Frequently Asked Questions

Hastings/Quinte 9-1-1 Management Group is most pleased to announce that 9-1-1 emergency service is finally here effective 5 a.m. April 29, 1998.
The 9-1-1 service is designed to provide human emergency service for your personal safety and security.
State-of-the-art equipment is used to assist 9-1-1 operators in directing your emergency. While much vital information is automatically generated when you dial 9-1-1, it is extremely important that you be prepared to assist operators.

SPECIFIC POLICE INFORMATION

Type of crime or assistance requested.
When did it happen?
Information concerning number of persons, their description, any weapons?
Description of vehicles involved and direction of travel.

SPECIFIC FIRE INFORMATION

Type of fire...house, car, brush, apartment, etc.
Where the fire is located: stove, oven, light fixture, etc.
Is the building occupied? (ALWAYS, ALWAYS evacuate a burning building)
Are there any hazardous chemicals involved?

SPECIFIC AMBULANCE INFORMATION

What type of injury? injured back, heart attach, laceration. etc.
Extent of the injury: not breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, etc.

IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY DIAL 9-1-1...

Stay on the line until the 9-1-1 operator answers to verify that there is no emergency.
If you do not stay on the line, the 9-1-1 operator will call you back.
If the operator does not get an answer, the Police will automatically be sent to your address to verify the situation.

QUESTION THE 9-1-1 OPERATOR WILL ASK...

Do you need the Police, Fire or Ambulance?

QUESTIONS THE EMERGENCY SERVICE WILL ASK...

The address where the emergency is taking place: street name, number and directions if necessary.
Description of the problem: fire, robbery, auto accident, etc.
The telephone number you are calling from (to verify the number displayed to the 9-1-1 operator)
Your name.
Any other information that may be useful to responding emergency units.

HELPFUL HINTS WHEN REPORTING AN EMERGENCY

Remain calm (this is the hardest part) and speak clearly.
Listen and answer the 9-1-1 operators questions.
Be prepared to stay on the line with the 9-1-1 operator, if needed.
DO NOT hang up until the Call Taker advises you to do so.

WHAT TO TEACH YOUR CHILDREN ABOUR 9-1-1

Do your children know how to get help in an emergency?

Teach your children how and when to get help from 9-1-1
Teach your children their address and telephone number as soon as they are able to learn
Keep it posted by all phones in case they are unsure
Tell your children to answer all of the emergency call takers' questions and stay on the phone until they are told to hang up
Teach your children about the dangers of making prank 9-1-1 calls

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF 9-1-1 PRANK CALLS?

Prank 9-1-1 calls waste time and money and can also be dangerous.
If 9-1-1 lines or responders are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency might not get the help that they need.

WHAT IS NOT AN EMERGENCY.

It is not an emergency when the situation is not dangerous and immediate action is not necessary. Do not call 9-1-1:
For information about school closings, road conditions, directions, etc.
For directory assistance
For information about paying parking tickets
When you're bored and just want to talk

WHAT IF YOUR COMPLAINT IS NOT AN EMERGENCY?

If your complaint is not an emergency dial 966-0882, the non-emergency number for the Belleville Police Service.

Make sure house number or property markers are visible and correct. If in doubt call your local municipal office.