TIPS ON DIALING 911

Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911)

The County has recently upgraded to a Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) system, enhancing public safety and modernizing communication capabilities.

This advanced system offers improved location accuracy, better interoperability between Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), and supports the reception of multi-media communications which includes voice, data, and video. However, please note that video transmission is not currently enabled.

The transition to NG911 reflects Somerset County’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its residents and improving the overall efficiency and responsiveness of emergency services.

When to Use 9-1-1

9-1-1 should be used whenever there is immediate danger to life or property. It should be called to report fires, crimes in progress, or medical emergencies. Call from any landline phone or wireless device.

Some businesses require an access number to get an outside line before you can dial 9-1-1. Be sure that you learn the access number if one is required at your workplace.

Answering the Call

Your 9-1-1 call will be answered by a 911 Specialist who is trained in handling 9-1-1 emergency calls.

You will be asked what your emergency is and the location where you need assistance. Stay calm. Don’t get excited, take a deep breath.

Guide to Emergency Help

Tell the operator that answers the phone exactly what is wrong.
Give the exact location where the emergency is. Be sure to give your full address (including an apartment number if you live in an apartment).
Give them the phone number you are calling from.
Give your name.
DO NOT HANG UP–until the operator on the telephone tells you to. The operator may need to ask you more questions to help the fire department, EMS personnel or police find you. The operator will also tell you what to do until help arrives.
If you are calling for an ambulance, we utilize the Medical Priority Emergency Medical Dispatch System. This system allows the 911 dispatcher to instruct the caller in pre-arrival medical care for the patient. The dispatcher may ask you specific questions regarding the medical problem the patient is having. This information is then relayed to the ambulance personnel so they will have a clear concise picture as to what is occurring on the scene. We alert the ambulance while you are on the phone with us.
If you accidentally dial 9-1-1, please stay on the line and let the dispatcher know that it was accidental. We are required to follow up on all 911 calls and verify the existence of an emergency. If we are unable to communicate with someone at the residence, we will dispatch a police officer to investigate.
If you are calling 911 via cellular phone, please be prepared to give us your cell phone number and your exact location. The accuracy of your location depends on the type of technology our carrier uses at that time. Carriers are required to provide latitude & longitude location tracking capabilities with certain parameters for accuracy. However, the location is not always exact. When in an unfamiliar area, try as often as possible to pay attention to nearby streets, distinguished landmarks, businesses, mile markers, etc. to identify your direction of travel. Know the name of the last town or city that you may have passed through.

Texting 911

You should only text 911 in an emergency—prank texters can be identified and prosecuted. It may take longer for 911 to receive and respond to your message.

Text-to-911 is primarily intended for those who are:

Deaf, hard-of-hearing or have a speech disability
In a situation where it is unsafe to call 911
Experiencing a medical emergency and may be unable to speak

HOW TO TEXT

Do not text and drive.

Step 1. Enter 911 in the To or Recipient field of the text.
Step 2. Include in your message the location of the emergency and ask for police/fire/ambulance, depending on the nature of your emergency.
- Text in simple words. Don’t use slang, abbreviations or emojis.
- Pictures and video cannot be included.
- Texts cannot include more than one person. (i.e. group texts)
Step 3. Select the Send button.
Step 4. Answer the questions and follow the instructions from the 911 Cal Taker. Translation services are not available.

IF UNAVAILABLE

In the event text-to-911 is unavailable in your area or temporarily unavailable, you should receive a message from your carrier telling you to place a voice or relay call.