Fire Safety - Tips for Dialing 911

Pathy Anne Massidy(ph): Hi, I am Pathy Anne Massidy with the Alexandria Fire Department in Alexandria, Virginia. Today, we are talking to you about fire safety. Now we are going to discuss calling 911. 911 is a number that is available 24 hours a day for any emergency.

Alexandria 911, what s your emergency? There is a house on fire.

When you call 911, a trained dispatcher takes your information and notifies the proper agency of your emergency whether it is fire, police, or a medical emergency.

Okay, I have the units in route to your location at this time. They should be there momentarily, and I have them going to 123 Acorn Street.

If the emergency is medical, the dispatcher will give you information on first aid or CPR to use until help arrives. In case of mummy and daddy aren t here& .

It is important to keep specific information by your phone at all times. Your address, nearest cross streets and phone number would be helpful for any one visiting the house, a baby sitter or another family member. Make sure the dispatcher get this information so they can help provide assistance.

Remember these important tips when calling 911. Be calm and clear. State the nature of your emergency. Tell the dispatcher that your house is on fire. Be sure to give your exact address, the nearest cross street, and the city in which you live and stay on the phone until the dispatcher tells you it is okay to hang up. If you are away from home, you can call 911 from a phone booth. You do not have to have any money, just dial 911 and emergency dispatcher will be there to help you. If you are calling from a cell phone, you can also dial 911. It s important, however to let the dispatcher know what city and state you are calling from so that, they can route you to the proper emergency services in your area. If there are children or hearing or sight impaired people in your home, make sure to practice with them the instructions for calling 911.

Next, we are going to talk about what to do if there is a fire in your house.