It is accessible from all touch-tone, rotary and cellular phones.

The following Frequently Asked Questions provide more information on this essential service.

What is 9-1-1?

• 9-1-1 is the toll-free emergency telephone number system for Halton Region.
• It links callers to the appropriate emergency service: police, fire and/or ambulance.
• Calling 9-1-1 enables callers to reach the emergency service required as quickly as possible.
• It can also be dialed from cellular telephones.

What is an Emergency?

• An emergency is any situation where there people and/or property are at risk.
• Examples of 9-1-1 emergencies include:
• Fires
• Crimes in progress
• Medical emergencies

What is NOT an Emergency?

• A situation is not an emergency when it is not dangerous and immediate action is not necessary.
• Examples of a non-emergency situation include:
• Automobile accidents where an injury has not occurred.
• After a crime has been committed and you believe that the offender has left the scene.
• Follow-up on an auto theft report.
• If the emergency is not life-threatening, check the telephone directory for the number of the appropriate agency.

What happens when you dial 9-1-1?

• When you dial 9-1-1 your call is answered by professionally trained personnel.
• The 9-1-1 telephone system has an Automatic Location Identification System and an Automatic Number Identification System (ANI/ALI) which lets the call taker know the address and telephone number of the caller.
• If the caller is unable to speak, police will be dispatched to the location.
• If you call from a cellular phone, ANI/ALI information will NOT be available to the call taker.
• Try to remain calm and give your exact location.
• The caller must be prepared to give the following information:
• Which service is required: police, fire and/or ambulance.
• Where the emergency has occurred: the full address, including the name of the city or town.
• Depending on the information provided, you will be connected to a police, fire or ambulance dispatch centre.
• The dispatch centre will verify the information and details surrounding the incident.

What you can do to help 9-1-1 help you:

• Remain calm and speak clearly.
• Identify which emergency service you require (police, fire and/or ambulance.
• Please remain on the line to provide additional information if requested to do so by the call taker.
• DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL THE CALL TAKER ADVISES YOU TO DO SO.
• Remember, it is important to have your house number visible from the street. This will assist emergency responders in locating you as quickly as possible.  

What to teach your children about 9-1-1:

• Teach your children how and when to get help from 9-1-1.
• Teach your children their address and telephone number as soon as they are able to learn it.
• Keep your address and telephone posted by all telephones in case they are unsure.
• Tell your children to answer all of the emergency call taker's questions and to stay on the phone until they are told to hang up.
• Teach your children about the dangers of making prank 9-1-1 calls.

What are the dangers of 9-1-1 prank calls?

• Prank 9-1-1 calls waste time and money and can also be dangerous.
• If 9-1-1 lines or responders are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency might not get the help that they need.

What if your complaint is not an emergency?

• If your complaint is not an emergency dial 905-825-4777 or 905-825-4747, the non-emergency numbers for the Halton Regional Police Service.
• Use these numbers for non-emergency calls such as:
• Parking complaints
• A noisy party
• Lost and found articles
• You can also use your cellular phone for non-emergencies by dialing *477 (Telus customers only)