Emergency Communications Centre

Helpful 911 facts

• 911 can be called off of any phone including deactivated cell phones 
• Use 911 only when people or property are at risk
• Make sure your municipal address can be seen clearly from the roadway by emergency services
• Teach your children when it is appropriate to use 911 and make sure your childcare providers know your address and phone number
• If you call from your vehicle, stop in a safe area and look for street signs, addresses, major buildings or landmarks
• On highways, note your direction of travel, and any exit and highway numbers
• If you are in an area not served by 911, call the operator for your area

What happens when you call 911?

1. Your call will be answered as quickly as possible.
2. The operator will say "911. Do you require police, fire or ambulance?" 
3. They will ask you what town or city the emergency is located.The operator uses this to confirm the location to transfer your call to either the police, fire or ambulance dispatch centre for that area. 
4. Your call will be transferred to the proper emergency dispatch centre.
5. The police, fire or ambulance dispatcher will answer your call. They will have a number of questions for you about the emergency. Do your best to listen to the dispatcher and answer the questions quickly. The faster you answer the questions, the faster the dispatcher can send proper resources to help you.

When and when not to call 911

When to call:

Call 911 when you need immediate help from the police, the fire department or an ambulance.

Example:

• An uncontrolled fire
• Smoke coming from a building
• A crime taking place
• Someone/you suffering a moderate to serious injury

When not to call:

If you do not need immediate help from the police, the fire department or an ambulance, do not call 911. Contact each agency through their administrative phone lines. 

Example:

• Testing your fire alarm system
• Reporting a minor traffic accident (non-injury)
• Receiving a prank/scam telephone call
• Requesting telephone directory assistance
• Asking for travel directions or a tow truck

The Province of Alberta has laws that protect against the misuse and abuse of the 911 system. Fines include $5,000 for first time offenders and $10,000 for repeat offenders.