When to Call 911 or Text 911

There are many different times when 9-1-1 can help. Here are some examples:

• To get help for someone who is hurt.
• If you smell smoke or see a fire.
• If you see a crime in progress - a theft, robbery, or burglary.
• If you see someone hurting someone else - a fight, domestic violence, or an assault.

Text to 911 Information and Video

Never Call 911 as a Joke!

It is a criminal offense to report false crime. You should never call 9-1-1 to play a joke or just to see what will happen. When you are on the telephone making prank calls, somebody with a real emergency might not be able to get through, and help might not be sent in time. If you call 9-1-1 and hang up, we will call you back to see if you have an emergency. Plus officers will be dispatched to your address to check on you!

What to Do When Calling 911

• Tell the person who answers what is wrong
  • Nature of emergency: Such as vehicle collision, fire, medical or trauma emergency, behavioral emergency, situation requiring law enforcement, or special situation (such as hazardous materials spill or other issue requiring containment or special rescue).
• Tell them your Location and Contact Info - name, address, and telephone number
  • Location of emergency: Be as specific as possible. Examples: The specific area of the building or property, which side of the road or intersection and any instructions for accessing the site including the direction of approach or gate/security codes
• Tell them the number of people affected and their conditions: This is important so appropriate number of resources can be sent. Helpful basic information to provide include whether the victims are breathing, pulse present and any significant bleeding or other life-threatening injuries.
• Do not hang up until they tell you to hang up. They may have to ask you more questions. Speak Slowly Speak Clearly Stay Calm! Give them a call back number: In case the call is disconnected or responders have trouble finding the site.
• If reporting a crime in progress, try to observe and gather as many details as possible: number of suspects involved, what they are wearing, their gender, physical characteristics (gender, hair color & length, height, weight, body build, tattoo, glasses, or other notable characteristics). If a vehicle is involved - make/type, color, license plate, and any other details noted.

What You Should Know About 911 Calls

“What are you reporting?” In the City of Fremont, all emergency calls for 9-1-1 come into the Police Dept. If you need fire or medical help, we need to transfer you to our Fire Department.

“Where is help needed?” In the City of Fremont, we have Enhanced 9-1-1. This gives a display on a screen, very much like a computer screen, which gives us information about where the call probably comes from. We say probably because sometimes telephone company records haven’t been updated after a move. If a 9-1-1-call is made from a cell phone outside the Fremont area, you will receive CHP and they will transfer you to the City of Fremont. We do not receive addresses from cell phone callers. You will need to stay on the phone to provide the information.