October 14, 2010 - New Swine Flu Informational Brochure Available: (English or Spanish)
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Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
405 Pike Road
West Palm Beach, FL
33411-3815

 
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Phone: (561) 616-7000
Fax: (561) 616-7080
Left edge of tabFrequently Asked Questions - 911Right edge of tab
I'm not sure this is an emergency. Should I still call 911?
If you're not sure it is an emergency, call 911 and let us decide.
If I dial 911 by mistake, should I just hang up>?
No. If you dialed 911 by accident, stay on the line until an operator answers and explain what happened.
What information should I give the 911 operator?
Briefly describe the emergency that you need to report. For example:

"I am reporting a house on fire."
"I need to report a car accident."

Once the operator has this information, they will ask you the questions needed.

Be prepared to describe your location or address of the emergency, especially if you are on a cell phone.

Be patient while the dispatcher asks you questions. While you are giving information the dispatcher is entering the information and another dispatcher is sending a response.

I am calling to report a house on fire, but my call to 911 was answered by the sherriff's office. What do I do?
Do not hang up. Stay on the line. If needed, the operator will transfer your call to the appropriate department.
I have an internet broadband phone (Voice-over-IP, or VoIP) such as Vonage. Will that work with 911?
Some broadband phone companies are now beginning to work with 911 systems. Please contact your broadband provider for more information.

Other 911 Tips:

  1. Keep your address and phone number posted near every phone in your house. It is very stressful during an emergency and it is very easy to forget your address. By posting this information, you as well as any visitors at your home can dial 911 and get help quickly.
  2. Speak clearly and calmly at all times. Do not yell into the phone.
  3. Listen closely to the questions and try to answer all the questions that are asked by the operator. Something that might not seem important to you now could be very important later.

Kids and 911

  1. Make sure kids of all ages know how to use 911. Help your children learn their address and phone number at an early age.
  2. Teach children to dial 9-1-1 only in an emergency.