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9 1 1 Emergency Information

When to use the 9-1-1 System and when not to...If this is an emergency - CALL 911

Dial 9-1-1 only for an emergency!

An emergency is:

  • Any serious medical problem (chest pain, seizure, bleeding, serious wounds)
  • Any type of fire
  • Any life threatening situation (fights, person with weapons, gas leaks, etc.)
  • Any crime in progress (whether or not a life is threatened).

The 9-1-1 System is the quickest and easiest method of reaching fire rescue, the police department or ambulance service in cases of emergency. Additionally, the 9-1-1 System lets the dispatcher know where the call is coming from automatically.

Dial 813/231-6130 for Police non-emergency.

Non-emergency incidents include:

  • Delayed or "not in progress" offenses
  • Intoxicated persons who are not disorderly
  • Cars blocking the street or driveway
  • Non-injury auto accidents
  • Minor complaints

You should not program '9-1-1' into your telephone's speed dial. You won't forget the number, and programming the number invites accidental dialing.

Never dial 9-1-1 to "test" your phone or the 9-1-1 system. This needlessly burdens the dispatchers and system with non-emergency calls.

If you dialed 9-1-1 in error, do not hang up the telephone. Instead, stay on the phone and explain to the dispatcher that you dialed by mistake and that you do not have an emergency. If you hang up, the police must be dispatched to the caller's address. This will needlessly take resources away from genuine emergencies.

When the dispatcher answers, briefly describe the type of incident you are reporting, then stay on the line with the dispatcher, do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you. In some cases, the dispatcher will keep you on the line while the emergency units are responding to ask additional questions or to obtain ongoing information.

Let the call-taker ask you questions. Dispatchers have been trained to ask questions that will prioritize the incident, locate it and dispatch an appropriate response. Your answers should be brief and responsive. Remain calm and speak clearly. If you are not in a position to give full answers to the call-taker (the suspect is nearby), stay on the phone and the dispatcher will ask you questions that can be answered "yes" or "no."

REMEMBER: If you're not sure it's a real emergency, dial 9-1-1.
When in doubt - call 9-1-1.

Other Helpful Phone Numbers
  • Public Works - Emergency After Hours (24 Hr): 813-622-1940
  • Stormwater - Emergency Drainage/Flooding (24 Hr): 813-622-1901
  • Wastewater - Emergency Repair/Sewer Backup (24 Hr): 813-259-1693
  • Water Department - Emergency Services (24 Hr): 813-274-7400
  • Service & Information Desk: 813-274-8211
Non emergency services Non emergency information

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