911 is the number to call in the event of an emergency when you need the police, fire department, or an ambulance. Dispatchers in the Amherst Public Safety Communications Center, located on the third floor of the Amherst Police Department on Main Street, are here twenty-four hours a day to answer calls and to send help. We hope that you won’t ever have to call, but, in the event of an emergency, keep the following tips in mind so we can get you the help that you need.
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* Be sure to tell Dispatchers exactly where you are or where the help is needed. If you don’t know the name of the street you’re on, try to provide landmarks – house numbers, stores or restaurants, or other descriptive details – that will help responders find your exact location.
* Try to stay calm. It’s often difficult to remain in control during a crisis, and it may seem like Dispatchers are asking an awful lot of questions, but keep in mind that they are sending help to you while you’re still on the phone.
* Try to stay calm. It’s often difficult to remain in control during a crisis, and it may seem like Dispatchers are asking an awful lot of questions, but keep in mind that they are sending help to you while you’re still on the phone.
* Don’t hang up until the Dispatcher tells you to - even if you think you don't need help anymore. Responders may still want to touch base with you to be sure that the danger is gone. In the event of a medical emergency, Dispatchers are trained to provide pre-arrival instructions so they will remain on the line until the Paramedics or Police arrive.
* If you dial 911 by mistake, please stay on the line so that Dispatchers can verify that there is no problem and that it was a simple misdial. They may also want to verify your address and phone number in case you ever do call to report an emergency.
* Finally, please use 911 only for emergencies. Noise complaints, reports of stray dogs, or simple requests for information can be handled on the business line at 413-259-3000.
* If you dial 911 by mistake, please stay on the line so that Dispatchers can verify that there is no problem and that it was a simple misdial. They may also want to verify your address and phone number in case you ever do call to report an emergency.
* Finally, please use 911 only for emergencies. Noise complaints, reports of stray dogs, or simple requests for information can be handled on the business line at 413-259-3000.
2 comments:
When I have occasion to call on a non-emergency matter, the call is still first answered by an emergency dispatcher. At that point, I ask to speak to the station officer, so as not to tie up an emergency dispatcher unnecessarily.
Is this helpful, or doesn't it matter?
If you know that a police officer would be the best person to answer your question, then asking to speak directly to an officer would be helpful.
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