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Body & Health

When to call 911

Call 911 when someone needs police, fire or an ambulance right now. Know your location, answer the questions, and don't hang up until they tell you to.

Easy5 min to readFree

You'll need

  • A phone. Any cell phone can call 911, even without service.

What to know

  1. Call 911 for any situation that needs immediate help from police, fire or an ambulance (911.gov).
  2. Say where you are first: street address, plus apartment or room number in a big building (911.gov).
  3. Answer the call-taker's questions. They may tell you what to do until help arrives (911.gov).
  4. Don't hang up until they tell you to. If you dialed by accident, stay on and explain (911.gov).
Watch out. A phone without active service can call 911, but it won't send your location and the call center can't call you back. Say your location clearly (911.gov).

Good to know

Text to 911

Some areas accept texts to 911, but a voice call is still the most reliable way to reach help (FCC).

Not an emergency?

Use your local non-emergency number. Search "emergency communications center non-emergency number" plus your city and county. Don't call 911 to get it (911.gov).

Medical signs

Sudden weakness on one side, trouble speaking, or a seizure lasting over a minute are reasons to call 911 (MedlinePlus).

Sources

  1. 911.gov Calling 911
  2. 911.gov Frequently asked questions
  3. Federal Communications Commission Text to 911
  4. MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine) When to use the emergency room

Lesson B6.3 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed. See a mistake?