The County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) would like to encourage the community to review these essential safety tips when calling 9-1-1.
When calling 9-1-1 remember to:
- Use 9-1-1 only for critical incidents that require police, fire, or emergency medical services.
- Text 9-1-1 if you have a hearing and/or speech impairment or if there is a life-threatening situation where you cannot make an audible phone call.
- Don’t save 9-1-1 in your favorite or frequent contact list. You may accidentally call it. If you dial 9-1-1 accidentally, stay on the line and notify the dispatcher. If you hang up without being instructed to, emergency personnel are required to dispatch resources to the location of the call.
- Always know your location. This is important if you are calling from a cell phone. The Fire Department’s emergency system may not be able to identify the exact location of a cellular phone signal.
- Keep your cell phone in a locked or safe position when not in use to prevent accidental calls.
- Be prepared to answer questions. Listen carefully, speak clearly, and try to remain calm. Your response will help emergency crews be better prepared when they arrive to help you.
- Teach children how to properly use 9-1-1 and remind them it is not a toy. Keep your address near the phone, so children and babysitters know where to find it.
- Stay on the line and do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you it is okay to do so. They may have additional questions or instructions that may help stabilize the patient before first responders arrive.
Preparation and awareness of what to do in an emergency ensures that first responders act quickly. For additional safety tips and information visit fire.lacounty.gov.
