|
TULARE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS CENTER |
| (559) 733-6211 | 2404 W. BURREL ST. VISALIA, CA 93291 |
| IN AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 9-1-1 |
When you dial 9-1-1 from any phone except
a cell phone, the phone company equipment
determines what your phone number is,
and checks the 9-1-1 database for your address. This
information is forwarded to a computer
screen in the dispatch center. It includes your area code
and phone number; address; space, apartment
number, suite number, or other special information such as 'rear unit',
'trailer home', or other identifying characteristic. The name as
it appears on the phone bill is also included. The dispatcher will
confirm your address and phone number, and ask for your name.
When you call 9-1-1, a dispatcher will
answer, and ask "what is your emergency?" Calmly tell
them what you are reporting.
Let the dispatcher ask you questions regarding the incident.
Dispatchers are trained to ask important
questions depending on what the situation is, and can
forward that information to a radio
dispatcher while talking to you. Deputies, Police officers, Fire
trucks, or the Ambulance can be on the way while you are still on the phone
with the 9-1-1
dispatcher.
It is very important for you to remain calm while on the phone. Yelling at the dispatcher or at others around you only delays getting help. We realize you may be angry, upset, frightened, or confused, and will try to assist you in every way we can. It may seem like we are asking endless questions, but every one is important information that will allow us to help you in the most efficient manner possible. Answer to the best of your ability, and if you do not know the answer to something we ask, just say so. It is better to provide incomplete information than it is to provide incorrect information. Stay on the phone until the 9-1-1 dispatcher indicates you can hang up. If the situation you reported changes, call back on 9-1-1 and let us know what is happening.
If you have an emergency, but do not feel safe staying on the phone, dial 9-1-1, and leave the phone off the hook. This will allow the 9-1-1 dispatcher to hear what is going on, and determine the best response, based on what they can hear.