EMERGENCY? NOW WHAT
Throughout the nation, “9-1-1” has become the universal number for people to call when they need help from law enforcement, fire and medical personnel in emergency situations. Although the numbers dialed are always the same, the method, or protocol, for processing an emergency call is different from one PSAP (public safety answering point) or 9-1-1 call center to another.
So, WHAT happens when you dial “9-1-1” from a telephone in Rapides Parish?
First, let’s establish WHEN and HOW to call “9-1-1” in Rapides Parish!
wHEN TO CALL FOR HELP
There is a natural tendency to be self-reliant and independent. Many of us will delay asking for help in hopes we can solve the problem ourselves. Most people will wait at least two minutes before calling – after they have decided to call. Don’t worry about whether or not it’s important enough to call “9-1-1”.
If you don't know whether or not to call
MAKE THE CALL!
Waiting can be deadly! If you need assistance at your location from a law enforcement officer, a fireman or a medical technician, and time is of an essence, please don’t wait! Call “9-1-1”.
hoW TO cALL 9-1-1
If you are in Rapides Parish, just pick up the telephone and dial or press “9-1-1”. Remember, always call it “nine-one-one”. If you call it nine-eleven, small children can get confused and actually look for an eleven button on their telephone.
In an emergency, always dial "9-1-1"
You can access “9-1-1″from a residential telephone, a cordless telephone, a mobile/cellular telephone, a pay/coin phone, or a business telephone.
whAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU
dIAL 9-1-1?
When your call for help is answered, you will be speaking to a highly trained Communications Officer who knows how to handle emergency situations over the telephone. The Communications Officer will want to know the exact nature of your emergency. Even though the Communications Officer knows in most instances from where you are calling, you will be asked where the emergency actually is because you could be calling from a pay phone or a neighbor’s house. Remember, it’s important to stay on the line, remain calm and answer all questions.
If you need additional information about “9-1-1” or want someone to speak to your group about “9-1-1”, call our offices in Alexandria at 318-445-0396 or send an email to Angie Branton, Admin Asst. Tours of the Emergency Communications Center are educational and fun for kids of all ages.