Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is 9-1-1?
9-1-1 is the universal emergency number that you can use 24 hours a day for police, fire or emergency medical services.

When should I use 9-1-1?
9-1-1 should be used whenever there is an immediate danger to life or property. It should be called to report fires, crimes in progress and medical emergencies.

Who will answer my 9-1-1 call?
Your 9-1-1 call will be answered by a professional telecommunicator trained in handling 9-1-1 emergency calls.

What will they ask and how should I answer?
You will be asked what your emergency is and the location where you need assistance. You should remain calm, speak clearly and slowly, and say (for example):

"I need the fire department at 123 Main Street*. My house is on fire".
"I need the police at 123 Main Street*. Someone is breaking into my neighbor's house".
"I need the emergency squad at 123 Main Street*. There is a man outside having a heart attack".

*You should always include the name of the municipality you are in, not your post office.

Will they keep me on the phone and ask other questions?
The 9-1-1 telecommunicator will begin routing the call to the proper agency. During the next few seconds you may hear a dial tone and ringing. Do not be alarmed, this is normal and you are never out of contact with the telecommunicator. The 9-1-1 telecommunicator will use this time to confirm the name, address, and ask any additional questions. For example:

Suspect or vehicle information for crimes in progress.
Age of patient and are they conscious and breathing?
What is on fire and are there any other dangers?

Always stay on the line and await instructions. Never think that the exchange of information is delaying the actual dispatch of emergency services. Cumberland County's 9-1-1 center utilizes a state-of-the-art network of computers, telephones and radios to communicate and dispatch information to others even while they are on the phone with you.

What if the caller speaks a foreign language?
When it is determined that a 9-1-1 caller is speaking a foreign language, a specially trained interpreter is conferenced on the call to ask the questions and relay the response.

What if the caller is speech or hearing impaired?
The 9-1-1 telecommunicators are trained to detect data signals unique to telecommunication devices for the speech and hearing impaired. These calls are immediately connected to a special device that allows communications with the caller. Text Telephone (TTY/TDD) Users: Wait until your call is answered, then press the space bar or any touch tone key several times to send data signal to identify your call as TTY/TDD call.

What if my call is not an emergency?
Non-emergency calls for police, fire and emergency medical assistance can be made by using 856-455-8500.

Are there things I should NOT call for?
Yes! Power outages, traffic conditions, weather reports, school closings and calls to request information about special events and municipal services schedules are some examples of call that should NOT be made to 9-1-1 and non-emergency service telephone lines. Extreme weather conditions, holidays and major events increase demands on all emergency service agencies. In times like these, you can do your part in safegaurding your communications lifeline by keeping telephone lines and emergency service's personnel clear and available to handle true emergencies from your community. How? Radio stations that specialize in 24 hour news and information are your best source for up-to-date traffic, weather, and advisories during major events. Inexpensive weather monitors are also recommended, especially those that activate when the National Weather Service sends out special weather statements. Local events, such as parades, fairs, shows, etc... are announced via press releases to newspapers, radio and television well in advance of the event. Frequently, numbers are provided for additional information.

HELP US FIND YOU!
9-1-1 is a fast, reliable and convenient way to contact police, fire and emergency medical services. The 9-1-1 system is designed to display your house number and street address to the dispatcher who answers your call. Make sure that your telephone company has listed in their records the name of the town you actually live in...not your post office. So, after you call 9-1-1, how do the emergency services find you?

Is your house number posted on your house?
Can your house number be seen from the road? In darkness or bad weather?
Are any numbers covered by shrubs or trees? Do they stand out from the background?
If you live or work in a complex with multiple buildings: is each building clearly marked? Apartment number? Trailer? Lot number?
If your address is on your mailbox, can it be seen? Day or night? Is the mailbox in front of the correct house or apartment?
Are the street signs correct for your address? Remember, an emergency vehicle may need to get to your house in hurry!

Can you afford the extra time it might take to locate your house in an emergency?

POST YOUR HOUSE NUMBER! HELP US HELP YOU!