How to Use 9-1-1

When to Call

Call For

  • Immediate medical assistance
  • Police and Fire assistance
  • Reporting a crime

Do Not Call For

  • Asking about community events, directions, general information (phone numbers, times, etc.)
  • Reporting power or cable outages (unless downed wires present a hazard)

Guidelines When Calling

  • Speak calmly and clearly.
  • Tell the emergency operator what type of problem you have.
  • Answer the questions that the emergency operator asks. Be prepared to give the location of the problem, your phone number, and your name.
  • If you are calling from a cellphone, try to verify the location of the problem that you are calling about. Give the emergency operator your cell and home phone number.
  • Cooperate with the emergency operator. Some information that may not seem important to you could be very important to the responding emergency personnel.
  • Stay on the line if requested to do so by the emergency operator. Emergency units can be dispatched and on the way while you are still on the phone.
  • Follow the instructions that the emergency operator gives you.

General Guidelines

  • Lewiston uses Enhanced 9-1-1 Service, be careful of accidentally dialing 9-1-1.
  • To assist Fire and Police personnel in locating you, make sure that your house numbers are clearly visible from the street; paint the numbers a contrasting color and make sure that they are illuminated at night.
  • Keep your address and phone number posted near each phone so that in an emergency the information is available; it is easy to mix up or not remember these numbers in an emergency situation.