Dial "911"

How and When

What is 911?

911 is the number to dial for the fastest possible emergency response when you need emergency POLICE, FIRE or MEDICAL ASSISTANCE in a life or death situation.

911 is a "team" of police department employees--professional men and women--who are on call 24-hours a day. They are trained to assist in getting emergency help to you as quickly and as safely as possible.

When to dial 911

911 is the number to dial when an emergency is occurring either immediately or within the last 10 minutes.

How 911 Works

EXAMPLE: What To Do

Your looking out of your window and notice a person breaking into your neighbors home...

1. You should immediately go to the phone and dial 911.
2. A dispatcher will answer your call by identifying himself/herself and will then ask you to give the phone number from where you are calling. Our computer will quickly verify your correct address for the police officer who is responding to you emergency call.
3. Even while you are talking, an officer is already on the way. Try to remain calm and answer all of the dispatchers questions--we understand you may be excited.
4. DO NOT HANG UP!

For officer safety, it is very important that the dispatcher on the phone gets all the necessary

information about the emergency and the suspects.

5. Give information most needed:

Phone number from where you are calling
What happened
Where it happened (Address)
When it happened
Is anyone injured
Suspect description
Vehicle description
License number
Direction of travel of suspect
Did you see any weapons
How many suspects

Community and Police Working Together

The Avon Park Police Department and city residents have joined forces to keep Avon Park one of the safest cities in Florida.

More and more citizens are realizing that the sooner they call the police, the greater the chance is to catch the criminal or to save a life.

911 Emergency Examples

Someone breaking into your home now or one of your neighbors' homes.

Shootings
Fires
Traffic injury accidents
Person screaming
Child choking
Fights or displays of weapons
911 IS NOT FOR directory assistance or for emergency telephone repair

Non-Emergency Examples

Abandoned vehicles
Loud party
Barking dog
Vandalism
Late reported calls
The NON-EMERGENCY LINE:453-6622

Frank S. Mercurio

Chief of Police