9-1-1

What is 9-1-1?

9-1-1 is a single emergency telephone number that makes it faster and easier for anyone in the City of Cornwall to reach emergency services such as police, fire or ambulance as quickly as possible.

What is  considered an emergency?

A situation where the safety of people or property is at risk. Examples of 9-1-1 emergencies include– a crime in progress; a fire or a medical crisis and urgent assistance is required.

When should you use 9-1-1?

DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 FOR INFORMATION! 

Dial 9-1-1 in an emergency when you need immediate help from police, fire or ambulance services.

An emergency situation can include:

• A fire that is not contained or controlled
• A crime in progress like a robbery or assault
• Medical emergencies such as someone experiencing chest pain or difficulty breathing

What happens when you call 9-1-1?

Once you dial 9-1-1, do not hang up. Your 9-1-1 call will be answered “Emergency, do you need Police, Fire or Ambulance?” Once you say which service you need, the call taker will transfer your call. If you require the Police, the 9-1-1 call taker who answered your call will help you. If you are transferred, do not hang up. Remain on the line until the service you need answers the line. The original 9-1-1 call taker will stay on the line with you.  

Now that your call has been answered:

Know your location and provide the following information when asked:

• the city you are in
• your address or the location where help is needed
• the apartment number, unit number, or building number for the address
• an entry code or any other information that will assist emergency responders when they arrive

Location is extremely important, especially when you are calling from a cellular phone (which provides general location information only) or an internet phone (which provides no location information
at all).
A nearby cross street is always helpful.

What if you accidentally dial 9-1-1?

If you dial 9-1-1 accidentally, do not hang up. Stay on the line and let the call taker know it was an accident. If you hang up, the call taker will need to call you back to determine why you called
and confirm there is no emergency. If they do not hear from you, the police may be sent to your house to confirm everything is okay.

How can you avoid accidental calls to 9-1-1?

• Do not program 9-1-1 into your telephone – speed dials can lead to accidental calls.
• Keep your cell phone locked or in standby mode and in a safe location to prevent accidental or pocket dial calls.
• Do not allow children to play with the telephone or cell phone. It’s not a toy.

What to Teach Your Children About 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 taker's 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.

Remember:

• Remain calm (this is the hardest part) and speak clearly.
• Listen and answer the 9-1-1 operator's 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 IF YOUR COMPLAINT IS NOT AN EMERGENCY?

If your complaint is not an emergency dial 932-2110, the non-emergency number for the Cornwall Police Service.