WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT 9-1-1

When there is a situation that threatens human life or property and demands immediate attention, call 9-1-1. 9-1-1 will reach the fire and rescue, police, Sheriff, Highway Patrol, ambulance, paramedics, Coast Guard, and/or search and rescue. Do not call 9-1-1 for non-emergencies. This causes delays in the handling of real emergencies. For non-emergency calls, call the non-emergency telephone numbers listed in the telephone directory for the agencies you are trying to reach. For Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD/TTY) emergency calls use the badot mode only. Dial 9-1-1 then tap the space bar until someone answers. When calling 9-1-1, your telephone number and address may be displayed on a dispatcher's viewing screen, even if you have Caller ID Blocking. This enables the emergency agency to locate you if the call is interrupted. If you do not wish to have your telephone number and address displayed, call the non-emergency number.

If you need to place an emergency call:

Make sure that no extension phones are off-hook. Stay on the line. You may not hear dial tone immediately. The delay could be 5 seconds. Do not repeatedly depress the switch hook, as this will further delay your call. If you receive a 'fast busy' or 'all circuits are busy' recording, hang up and try again later. If physical damage occurs to Calaveras' equipment or facilities or to your wiring or equipment, it may not be possible to complete your call.

Place Emergency Calls Only.

After a disaster, especially earthquakes, there is usually a high volume of telephone calls. It is important that you limit your calls to emergencies only. Do not call 9-1-1 or the police for confirmation of an earthquake. Listen to your local radio or television station for information.

Out-of-Area Contact.

Select a relative or friend out of the immediate area to act as a clearinghouse for information about your family. Once contact is made, have this person relay messages to your other friends and relatives outside the disaster area.

The Calaveras Telephone Company Directory

Calaveras provides additional information about 9-1-1, including other emergency numbers, and emergency planning information, in our local telephone directory.