When should I call 9-1-1?
Use 9-1-1 to save a life, report a fire, stop a crime. 9-1-1 is the right number to call in an emergency when a prompt response is needed. There could be a fight or an assault occurring right now, a fire burning, or a medical problem occurring now which could be life threatening.
What will the dispatcher want to know?
- What is happening
- Where the situation is occurring
- When the incident occurred
- Who is involved,
- Weapon involvement
- Injuries
These questions help us to send the right kind of help to you as quickly as possible. They also help us to keep our police officers, firefighters, and paramedics safe by helping them know what to expect when they arrive.
We may keep you on the line to gather more information, even after we dispatch police, fire, or medical help to your location. Do not hang up.
What if I call 9-1-1 by mistake?
Please stay on the line if you call 9-1-1 by accident, and tell the dispatcher that everything is OK. If you do not stay on the line we may have to send a police officer to your home to make sure there is not a problem.
When should I use the non-emergency number?
417-256-0209 is a ten digit non-emergency number which you can dial 24 hours a day in Howell County for non-emergency help. Using the non-emergency number keeps 9-1-1 available for true emergencies.
