Dial 911
When you dial 9-1-1 for an emergency, your call is routed to the Crittenden County Emergency Communications Center (CCECC), where a dispatcher will ask you for your location and the nature of the emergency. This is the most important information - for both citizen and first responder safety. The dispatchers are trained to guide you and will send the necessary emergency services to your location. Try to stay calm and provide as much information as possible.
Top Reasons to Dial 911
Crimes in progress: This includes robberies with weapons, assaults , fights, and active shootings.
Fires: Any uncontrolled fire, no matter how small, should be reported.
Medical emergencies: Heart attacks, strokes, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, or any life-threatening injury.
Vehicle accidents: Especially those with injuries or a blocked roadway.
Drowning: Or any water-related emergency.
Domestic violence: When an abuser is present or a victim is in immediate danger.
Gas leaks: If you smell gas and believe there's a leak, you should evacuate and call 911.
Child abuse or neglect: If a child is in immediate danger.
Missing persons: If someone has just gone missing and may be in danger.
Natural disasters: To report injuries or people trapped during an event like a tornado.
When Calling 9-1-1, Remember:
Remain calm.
Listen.
Give an exact location or two intersecting streets or business name & street.
Answer each of the questions as accurately as possible.
Listen to the instructions that are given and follow those instructions carefully.
Do Not argue.
Do Not lose your patience.
Do Not tell the Operator to hurry.
Do Not hang up until the Dispatcher says it is okay to hang up.
When you dial 9-1-1, try to remain calm. A dispatcher at the Crittenden County ECC will answer the phone and ask you for the location of the emergency and the nature of the problem. Provide as much detail as you can, including the exact address, cross-streets, or any landmarks that might help. The dispatcher will stay on the line while they send the appropriate police, fire, or medical personnel to your location.
They may also ask for descriptions of any people (gender, age, clothing) or vehicles (color, type, last direction of travel) involved in the incident. All of this information is crucial for sending the right emergency services and for the safety of everyone involved.
As you are answering questions, another Police Radio Dispatcher is already dispatching help to your location. Do your best to answer their questions as calmly and as accurately as possible and follow their instructions. Do not argue, lose your patience, or tell them to hurry; every question is important for ensuring the most effective and timely response.
They may keep you on the line to gather more information or provide further assistance until help arrives. Do not hang up until the dispatcher clears or verbally ends the call with you.
We are here to help you and to ensure the safety of everyone involved.