When to Call 9-1-1

If you feel you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 9-1-1 immediately.

You should only dial 9-1-1 in emergency situations. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or an ambulance.

If you are ever in doubt of whether a situation is an emergency, call 9-1-1, and the telecommunicator will determine if you need emergency assistance.

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Examples of when to call 9-1-1

  • Medical Emergencies
  • Heart attack or stroke
  • House fire
  • Domestic violence
  • Burglary or theft in progress
  • Car accident with life threatening injuries
  • Suspicious activities
  • Anything else that seems like an emergency

Examples of when to not call 9-1-1

  • For information
  • When the power is out
  • To report a broken fire hydrant
  • When your water pipes burst
  • To get a ride for doctor's appointment
  • For your pet
  • As a prank

9-1-1 Practice for Kids

We are more than happy to assist you in teaching your children the proper way to call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency. They should practice learning and saying their address, phone number, and parents' names. If you wish for them to make a practice call, please call JPD Community Services Sergeant at 910-938-6406 for permission to set up the practice call. You never know when an emergency will arise and a call to 9-1-1 is needed.

If You Call 9-1-1 By Mistake

If you call 9-1-1- by mistake, please do not hang up. If you happen to call 9-1-1 by mistake, remain on the line, state there is no emergency, and provide any requested information. This saves valuable time for the Center in having to call back and confirm there is not an emergency.

Prank Calls to 9-1-1 Aren't a Joke

It is considered a prank call when someone calls 9-1-1 for a joke, or calls 9-1-1 and hangs up. If 9-1-1 lines or call takers are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency may not be able to get the help they need. In most places, it is against the law to make prank 9-1-1 calls.