Show All Answers

1. How do I know if I have a real emergency?

An emergency is when immediate police, fire, or medical assistance is necessary to protect life or property.

If an emergency situation arises, ask yourself one important question. Is there an immediate need for police, fire, or paramedics to protect or save life or property? If you can answer, "yes" to this question, then dial 911.

2. What should I tell the dispatcher/operator when I call?

1. Stay calm; give the location of the emergency, your name, phone number, and nature of the emergency.
2. Listen carefully to the questions and instructions the dispatcher is giving you.
3. Answer all questions as accurately as possible. Speak clearly and slowly.

3. Should I hang up or stay on the line?

Never hang up until you are told to do so. If you hang up and redial, you may not get the same dispatcher and have to start all over again. It may be frustrating for you, but we will need you to stay on the line until we advise you that it is all right to hang up.

Be patient if we seem to ask a lot of questions. There are certain things that we must know to provide you with the services you need.

4. If I accidentally call 911 should I hang up?

No, stay on the phone and let the Communications Officer know that it was a mistake.

Moving forward, remember to place your cell phone on "Lock or Key Lock" mode so that it does not dial 911.

5. Should I dial 911 if I have a non-emergency situation?

No, do not dial 911 for non-emergency situations. Call the Police department at 561-965-1700 during business hours for non-emergency situations such as noisy neighbors, barking dogs, delayed incidents, etc.

6. When I call 911, am I calling the agency that I need for my emergency?

If you need assistance other than the agency you’ve reached, your call will be transferred to the proper agency.

7. When I’m on my cell phone, will dialing 911 call my hometown emergency service agency?

No, when you call 911 from your cell phone you will be directed to the closest agency to the cell phone tower that you are using, and from there you may be transferred to the correct agency.