Mahaska County, Iowa

When to call 911

911 can save your life or the life of a loved one. Fire, law enforcement and ambulance logs are filled with incidents where people have helped save lives and property by dialing 9-1-1. 911 is simplifying our lives, protecting us in emergencies and providing opportunities to help others in need. 9-1-1 is available through most of the U.S. as a means to easily report any emergency without looking up other telephone numbers. Unfortunately, 911 systems can at times be abused and overloaded. There are many instances where 9-1-1 was dialed as a joke, to ask for information or to report a nuisance. In some areas of the country, these examples account for the majority of 911 calls. Please remember, dialing 9-1-1 is for an emergency and is serious. Calling unnecessarily can endanger someone else’s life or property when they really do need help.

WHEN SHOULD YOU CALL 911?

  • You witness or are the victim of a serious crime
  • You smell smoke or see uncontrolled fire
  • You witness or are involved in a serious accident
  • There is an emergency illness, injury or suspected poisoning
  • When a child / senior citizen / handicapped person is lost,confused, frightened, or needs special assistance.
    OR
  • There is any situation that is potentially dangerous and you are not sure who to call

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THERE’S A FIRE IN MY HOME?

  • DO NOT use your home telephone to call
  • Stay low and get out of your house immediately
  • Call from your neighbor’s house or from a pay phone
  • Remember, you can call 911 from a pay phone and the call is free

WHEN CALLING 911, REMEMBER TO GIVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

  • The phone number you are calling from
  • Your name
  • Your address
  • What your problem or situation is
  • Be calm. speak clearly and remain on the line to answer all the dispatcher’s questions as best you can

DON’T CALL 911 TO:

  • Ask for a phone number you can’t find in the book
  • Inquire if a particular business or park is open
  • Ask the cost of overnight fees at area campgrounds
  • Complain about a barking dog
  • Request a copy of an accident report