Show All Answers

1. When do I use 911?

Use 911 in any situation that requires help because a person's life or well being is threatened, property is endangered, or an illegal activity is in progress or for any situation where the police, fire or ambulance is needed.

2. How do I make a 911 phone call?

When calling 911, try to remain calm. When the 911 operator answers, say, "I have an emergency" and speak clearly. Don't talk too fast. Remember to give the call-taker:

• An address
• A clear and simple description of the emergency
• Where help is needed (street or road name, number, township, or borough)
• Where you are, if a different location

Stay on the telephone and do not hang up unless the call-taker tells you to. Remember to answer all of the call-taker's questions and to stay near the phone if possible. Hang up the phone only after the call-taker advises you to do so.

In case of a fire, leave the building immediately! Call for help from another location.

3. What is Enhanced 911?

Enhanced 911 is a system that automatically provides the call-taker with the caller's telephone number and address. The Cumberland County Communications Center has this capability.

However, it is necessary for them to still verify this information and for the caller to state what their emergency is.

4. Can I get away with making a 911 prank call?

No, the police are sent to check all 911 hang ups. These types of calls could keep officers from responding to a valid emergency. A prank call can prevent someone with a real emergency from getting through to a call-taker and receiving help.

5. What happens when I dail 911?

When you dial 911, the following happens:

1. You dial 911 for emergency help.
2. Your 911 call goes to a TELCO computer, which identifies the telephone number from which you are calling.
3. Your call is automatically relayed to the emergency agency serving the address of that telephone number.
4. As your call is connected to the emergency agency, in a matter of seconds, a computerized database provides the dispatcher with name and address information about the number from which you are calling.
5. The dispatcher determines your emergency needs and verifies the address of the emergency.
6. The proper emergency services are sent to the scene.

6. What is emergency management?

Emergency management is the planning and coordination of all man-made, natural emergencies, and disaster activities. It is the action taken to eliminate or reduce the impact of a potential hazard and it is people working together in emergency response to a disaster and restoring things to normal conditions afterwards.

7. What is disaster planning?

Disaster planning is the coordination of a unified response to a crisis to prevent or minimize threats when possible and to respond quickly and effectively when prevention is not possible.

8. What training is provided?

Experience based, state-of-the-art training is available for businesses and industries, day care centers, and other interested organizations free of charge. This training integrates traditional emergency management practices and knowledge with capabilities afforded by emerging technologies like computer modeling, networks, and telecommunications.