CLAY COUNTY 9-1-1
In case of an Emergency:
Dial 911
    Emergencies do not happen very often, but when they do, you want to
    get help there as soon as possible. Before 911 was started, people had
    to search for the right number to call during an emergency. If you
    needed the fire department, you had to look up the number for the fire
    department, ambulance for any medical emergencies and so on. Dialing
    911 is the fasted way to get help in the event of an emergency
    The 911 dispatchers are trained in gathering information to provide you
    with the help that is needed. TRY TO REMAIN CALM. The 911
    dispatcher will ask some questions to be able to get the right help on the
    way to the right location in the shortest amount of time. Some of the
    questions you can expect to be asked are:

    The type of emergency
    Tell the dispatcher the nature of your emergency; fire, police, ambulance

    Your location
    Be sure to give the dispatcher your correct address.
    If the emergency is somewhere other than where you are, make sure the
    dispatcher knows that and give the location of the emergency.

    Your phone number
    The dispatcher will ask for you phone number to be able to contact you
    in the event the call gets disconnected. If you do get disconnected, call
    back as soon as possible to be sure the dispatcher got all the
    information needed

    Wait for the dispatcher to ask questions and then answer clear and
    calmly. Some 911 centers have enhanced 911. Enhanced 911 gives the
    dispatcher the location and phone number of the caller. The dispatcher
    will still ask for your phone number and address to verify the information
    is correct. Answering the dispatcher's questions will not delay the
    response of emergency personnel.
    A TEENAGER’S GUIDE
    TO 9-1-1

    9-1-1 listens and believes all callers! Do
    not think that since you are a teenager
    they will not help you.  Dispatchers are
    ready for your call 24-7.  THEY WANT
    TO HELP YOU!

    Do NOT be afraid to call 9-1-1 if you
    think that there is an emergency.  An
    emergency is a situation that threatens
    human life or property and demands
    attention right away.  The situation you
    are worried about may escalate if you do
    not call, so make the choice to call 9-1-1.

    The 9-1-1 dispatcher will decide whether
    or not your call should be handled by 9-1-
    1 or whether you should be referred to
    another number or agency as
    appropriate.  

    FOR ANY POLICE, FIRE, OR MEDICAL
    RESPONSE CALL 9-1-1

    FROM A CELLPHONE CALL  662-9111
    What is 9-1-1?

    Your call is automatically routed to the dispatch center where you live.  9-1-1 calls placed
    on a cell phone will now come to Clay County 9-1-1.

    When should I call 9-1-1 and when should I dial the regular
    number?

    When you need police, fire or ambulance to respond, and it is an emergency (threatens
    human life or property and demands attention right away), we recommend you pick up the
    phone and dial 9-1-1.  Do not hesitate!  We recommend for the time being you program
    you cell phone to dial (618) 662-9111.  This is the 9-1-1 alternative line for Clay County.

    What should I expect when I call 9-1-1?

    When you call 9-1-1 from a “wired” phone, your address and telephone number
    automatically displays on our screen.  This information will be confirmed for accuracy.  If
    you call 9-1-1 from a cell phone we do not get your location or the phone number you are
    calling from.

    You will then be questioned about your need for assistance.  The situation will dictate the
    number of questions we ask and we may want you to stay on the phone with us.  Staying on
    the phone does not delay the dispatch of your call.  We have the ability to dispatch the call
    while we continue to ask questions and provide help.

    Why does the 9-1-1 dispatcher ask so many questions?

    Dispatchers cannot see or hear what is happening and rely on you to be their eyes and
    ears.  Specific questions help determine the nature and priority of your call.  Answers to
    questions are relayed to responding officers, firefighters and/or paramedics.

    Why does it take so long for help to arrive?

    Dispatchers wish they could have help at your doorstep the minute you call.  Unfortunately,
    that just is not possible.  Help must drive to your location and depending on traffic
    conditions and where you live that may take some time.
ALWAYS
REMEMBER

    9-1-1 Dispatchers are there
    24/7 365 days a year and
    are trained to help you,
    don't hesitate to call!!!
    Never program 911
    into your cell phone as a
    speed dial number. It is
    very easy to dial 911 on
    accident that way. Even
    though it is an accident,
    emergency services still
    have to be dispatched
    If you dial 911 on
    accident,
    DO NOT
    HANG UP!!!!!
    Advise the dispatcher it
    was an accident and
    answer their questions.
    When calling 9-1-1

  • Take a deep breath
    and stay calm!
  • Be brief, clear and
    accurate
  • Give the location clearly
  • Answer all questions
    the dispatcher asks
  • Stay on the telephone
    with the dispatcher
    (while safe)
  • Don’t hang up until the
    dispatcher tells you to