When you call 911 in Harford County to request emergency help, be
prepared to answer the call taker's questions. The information is vital
to first responders dispatched to the location.
- Remain as calm as possible. Take a deep breath and speak clearly.
- Provide the location of the incident and the phone number you are calling from.
- Describe your location. What's the nearest cross street? If help is needed at another location, advise the call taker.
- If your house is on fire, leave the house first, then call from a neighbor's phone or use your cell phone.
- Tell the call taker the nature of the emergency.
-
If the emergency is taking place on a highway or interstate roadway,
try to include the nearest mile marker in your description of the
location.
- Answer all of the call taker's questions to the
best of your ability. The answers will help the call taker/dispatcher
determine what kind of emergency aid you need.
- Keep the answers short and to the point.
- Follow all instructions given to you by the call taker.
- Stay on then line until the call taker tells you to hang up.
- Turn on your outside lights and, if possible, send someone out to direct the responding emergency personnel onto your property.