Archives: FAQs

When should I use 911?

When you need EMERGENCY assistance, dial 911. There is no cost to call 911 from a pay phone. The 911 operator will answer “911” Tell them immediately which agency you need; if you need more than one emergency service, say so. Stay calm, do not hang up! Be ready to answer questions about the emergency, including your name, address and phone number.

What is an emergency?

An emergency is when life or property is in immediate danger or when a serious crime is in progress.

How do I obtain a 911 address?

Contact our office at:

Coosa County E911 Office
PO Box 156
Rockford AL 35136
Phone: 256-391-2080
E-mail: info@coosa911.com

To obtain an address for a new dwelling, you must have the parcel number, or if it is in a subdivision, the name and lot number of the subdivision.

Can I dial 911 from a wireless phone without a wireless calling plan?

All wireless phones, even those that are not subscribed to or supported by a specific carrier, can call 911. However, calls to 911 on phones without active service do not deliver the caller’s location to the 911 call center, and the call center cannot call these phones back to find out the caller’s location or the nature of the emergency. If disconnected, the 911 center has no way to call back the caller.

These uninitialized phones are often used to place malicious or fake calls to 911 call centers. These calls are a burden on the 911 system because 911 call centers are required to find out whether or not an emergency truly exists.

Oftentimes, parents provide these uninitialized wireless phones as toys to young children, unaware that if the child dials 911, a live call will be connected with the local 911 call center. It is recommended that parents remove the phone’s battery before giving these phones to children.

What should I do if I acccidentally dial 911?

If you dial 911 by mistake, or if a child in your home dials 911 when no emergency exists, do not hang up – that could make 911 officials think that an emergency exists, and possibly send responders to your location. Instead, simply explain to the call-taker what happened.

What happens when you call 911?

911 follows protocols that guide callers through a sequence of questions to quickly obtain information necessary for dispatching the right responders to the right location. Call-takers may also provide instructions about what to do until help arrives. Even though protocols are designed to help call-takers reassure callers and take charge of the situation, the experience can be stressful for a 911 caller who is not accustomed to dealing with emergencies. When you call 911, be prepared to answer the call-taker’s questions, which may include:

  • The location of the emergency, including the street address, and room/apartment number, if you’re in a large building
  • The phone number you are calling from
  • The nature of the emergency
  • Details about the emergency, such as a physical description of a person who may have committed a crime, a description of any fire that may be burning, or a description of injuries or symptoms being experienced by a person having a medical emergency

Remember, the call-taker’s questions are important to get the right kind of help to you as quickly as possible. Be prepared to follow any instructions the call-taker gives you. Many 911 centers can tell you exactly what to do until help arrives, such as providing step-by-step instructions to aid someone who is choking or needs first aid or CPR. Do not hang up until the call-taker instructs you to do so.