Emergency Management Services of King County

True Emergency Calls Cannot Get Through

Overloading the system with non-essential calls creates a serious problem for those individuals who really do need help. If citizens cannot not get a dial tone on their telephone, they cannot call 9-1-1. This hinders and even prevents notification of emergency response personnel, including police, fire, and emergency medical service workers. Getting a dial tone to call 9-1-1 can make a life-saving difference.

Non-Emergency Calls Prevent Dispatchers from Responding to Real Emergencies

Another experience that occurred during the last earthquake was when citizens who did get a dial tone called 9-1-1, even though they did not have an emergency. During the hour following the quake, the number of 9-1-1 calls increased approximately ten times the normal call volume. Most of these calls were citizens informing us there had been an earthquake! Several people asked us if there was going to be another one. These calls tied up the 9-1-1 trunk lines so people with true emergencies may have received a busy signal when they dialed 9-1-1.

Be Part of the Solution - Use Your Telephone and 9-1-1 Responsibly

If there is another area-wide emergency, such as an earthquake, do not use your telephone or cell phone for any reason unless you need to call 9-1-1 to report an emergency.
Only call 9-1-1 if you need immediate emergency assistance from police, fire or emergency medical personnel.
Turn on your television or radio to learn about emergency instructions and information. This is a good way to get quick answers to your questions about damage, injuries and possible casualties.
Be prepared! Make sure you have a family disaster plan so everyone knows what to do during and after emergencies. Everyone in your family should have their own disaster supply kit (be sure to include a portable radio with extra batteries so you have a way to learn about emergency news and information).

For emergencies call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies call your local police or fire department. For more information regarding the E-911 Program, contact our main office.

Emergency Services Prepare & Respond News and Resources Plans & Programs Sound Shake '08 Enhanced 911 program About Us	KING COUNTY HOME \| NEWS \| SERVICES \| DIRECTORY \| CONTACT EMERGENCY SERVICES Office of Emergency Management You're in: Emergency Services print Emergency Management Services of King County True Emergency Calls Cannot Get Through Overloading the system with non-essential calls creates a serious problem for those individuals who really do need help. If citizens cannot not get a dial tone on their telephone, they cannot call 9-1-1. This hinders and even prevents notification of emergency response personnel, including police, fire, and emergency medical service workers. Getting a dial tone to call 9-1-1 can make a life-saving difference. Non-Emergency Calls Prevent Dispatchers from Responding to Real Emergencies Another experience that occurred during the last earthquake was when citizens who did get a dial tone called 9-1-1, even though they did not have an emergency. During the hour following the quake, the number of 9-1-1 calls increased approximately ten times the normal call volume. Most of these calls were citizens informing us there had been an earthquake! Several people asked us if there was going to be another one. These calls tied up the 9-1-1 trunk lines so people with true emergencies may have received a busy signal when they dialed 9-1-1. Be Part of the Solution - Use Your Telephone and 9-1-1 Responsibly If there is another area-wide emergency, such as an earthquake, do not use your telephone or cell phone for any reason unless you need to call 9-1-1 to report an emergency. Only call 9-1-1 if you need immediate emergency assistance from police, fire or emergency medical personnel. Turn on your television or radio to learn about emergency instructions and information. This is a good way to get quick answers to your questions about damage, injuries and possible casualties. Be prepared! Make sure you have a family disaster plan so everyone knows what to do during and after emergencies. Everyone in your family should have their own disaster supply kit (be sure to include a portable radio with extra batteries so you have a way to learn about emergency news and information). For emergencies call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies call your local police or fire department. For more information regarding the E-911 Program, contact our main office.
	To top
	Updated: Aug. 28, 2008