Crawford County is served by an Enhanced 9-1-1 system. The name, address and phone number of the telephone used to dial 9-1-1 is displayed on a computer screen at the 9-1-1 center. Combining this information with questions asked of the caller, the dispatcher determines which emergency agency, or agencies, should respond to the scene. The department(s) are then notified to respond by another dispatcher. Over 95% of calls are dispatched within 90 seconds of being answered!
All areas of Crawford County are covered by 9-1-1 service, it does not matter if you live in a city or unincorporated area, 9-1-1 will provide access to your local emergency agencies.
Call 9-1-1 to report any emergency. Police, Fire or Medical. If you need help immediately, call 9-1-1. Don't waste time, call as soon as you think help is needed!
When to call 9-1-1...
- Car wreck
- Someone is choking on their food
- Fire of any type, house, woods or other building
- If you see a crime
- Dangerous situation such as gas leak or a power line down
- Someone is drowning
- Someone is hurt or is bleeding or is having trouble breathing
- Tornado or other severe weather damages your home
What Should I Say?
All you have to do is answer our questions! Stay on the phone and answer the Dispatcher's questions as calmly as you can. We will ask the following:
- The Address of the problem.
We know the address of the phone, but we want to make sure the problem is at that address. If you do not know the address, be prepared to give directions or describe your location.- The type of problem.
Tell us in plain language what is happening.- Details about the problem
The Dispatcher is trained to get more information while the emergency units are responding.
Do Not Call 9-1-1 if the problem is not an emergency, look up the non-emergency number in the phone book. If you call 9-1-1 for non-emergencies, someone with a real emergency might have a delay in receiving service.
When NOT to call 9-1-1...
- Loud party or music
- Barking dogs or cats up a tree
- To ask directions or for general information
- To report water or electricity is out
- To check if a police report is ready
- To check for severe weather reports
What Can I Do?
You can make a real difference by helping until the emergency units arrive, and the Dispatcher will provide directions for things such as:
- CPR
- Rescue Breathing
- Childbirth
- Choking (Heimlich maneuver)
- Controlling Bleeding
- Other first-aid
