Guidelines for using 9-1-1:
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STAY CALM and tell the dispatcher the exact location
and nature of the emergency. Dispatcher will then
ask further questions about your emergency and
your name and phone number from which you are
calling.
Follow the instructions of the dispatcher.
Be as observant as possible, without risking your
safety, so you can provide descriptions of people
(sex, race, clothing, hair) and vehicles (color, make,
license plate).
If the dispatcher asks you to hold, do so. Do not
hang up until you are told it is okay.
Important Information to Remember:
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Call 9-1-1 only in an emergency – for all other
inquiries call the non-emergency numbers.
Police/ 708-447-2127
Fire/708-447-2123
Attach stickers specifying the Riverside Police and
Fire non-emergency numbers and your address to
every phone in your house in case someone else is
using your phone or you are too upset to remember.
If you dialed 9-1-1 in error, DO NOT HANG UP.
Instead, stay on the line and explain to the
dispatcher that you dialed by mistake and you do
not have an emergency. If you hang up, officers will
be dispatched to your location to see if someone is
in need of assistance.
If you are a cellular 9-1-1 caller, your telephone
number and location may not be displayed on the
dispatcher’s phone. Cellular callers are routed to the
nearest available cell tower which may be miles from
the location of your emergency. Be prepared to give
the dispatcher your complete location and be aware
of your surroundings.
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