Mahaska County, Iowa News Employment Elections Beacon Maps About Home Light Snow · 30° 911 Communications: When to Call 911 911 can save your life or the life of a loved one. Fire, law enforcement and ambulance logs are filled with incidents where people have helped save lives and property by dialing 9-1-1. 911 is simplifying our lives, protecting us in emergencies and providing opportunities to help others in need. 9-1-1 is available through most of the U.S. as a means to easily report any emergency without looking up other telephone numbers. Unfortunately, 911 systems can at times be abused and overloaded. There are many instances where 9-1-1 was dialed as a joke, to ask for information or to report a nuisance. In some areas of the country, these examples account for the majority of 911 calls. Please remember, dialing 9-1-1 is for an emergency and is serious. Calling unnecessarily can endanger someone else's life or property when they really do need help. When should you call 911? You witness or are the victim of a serious crime. You smell smoke or see uncontrolled fire. You witness or are involved in a serious accident. There is an emergency illness, injury or suspected poisoning. When a child / senior citizen / handicapped person is lost, confused, frightened, or needs special assistance OR There is any situation that is potentially dangerous and you are not sure who to call. What should I do if there's a fire in my home? Do not use your home telephone to call. Stay low and get out of your house immediately. Call from your neighbor's house or from a pay phone. Remember, you can call 911 from a pay phone and the call is free. When calling 911, remember to give the following information: The phone number you are calling from. Your name. Your address. What your problem or situation is. Be calm. Speak clearly and remain on the line to answer all the dispatcher's questions as best you can. Don't call 911 to: Ask for a phone number you can't find in the book Inquire if a particular business or park is open Ask the cost of overnight fees at area campgrounds Complain about a barking dog Request a copy of an accident report 911 Communications Assessor Attorney Auditor Board of Supervisors Buildings and Maintenance Clerk of Court Community Services Emergency Management Engineer Environmental Services General Assistance GIS IRVM Mahaska County Conservation Board Recorder Sheriff Treasurer Veterans Affairs Home | About | Beacon Maps | Employment | Events | News | Employee Email ©2004 - 2021 Mahaska County | Powered by Neapolitan Labs