Buzz
Reporting an emergency may seem straightforward until you're faced with the reality of it. That's when anxiety kicks in, and remembering even your own name becomes a challenge! If you're in the midst of an emergency, take a moment to breathe deeply and keep these steps in mind.
Procedures
Evaluate the Urgency of the Situation
Emergency Protocol
These are commonly sighted in urban areas like San Francisco and New York. While their popularity may dwindle elsewhere, their importance remains paramount, particularly in situations where modern technologies falter. These devices are solely designated for reaching the fire department; for other emergencies, standard emergency phones should be utilized.
Find a fire box. Typically painted red to signify fire-related utilities, fire boxes are equipped with a glass cover to prevent inadvertent activation.
Remove or break the protective cover of the activation panel. Emergency boxes are safeguarded by covers to prevent accidental activation. Remove or break these covers to access the emergency mechanism.
Engage the lever fully or press the button. Upon successful activation, you may hear an audible alarm signaling that the appropriate authorities have been notified.
- Some of these boxes function as emergency telephones, requiring communication with an operator for appropriate assistance.
- They operate by transmitting coded messages to nearby fire stations, which can be deciphered to identify the precise location.
- If there's no audible confirmation from the emergency box, assume your message wasn't transmitted and either attempt another box or directly dial emergency services.
From Your Mobile Device
Contact emergency services. Emergency numbers vary by country. In the United States, it's 911, and across most of Europe, it's 112.
Provide your location. The first inquiry from the emergency dispatcher will be about your whereabouts, enabling emergency services to reach you swiftly. If feasible, furnish the precise street address; if unsure, provide approximate details.
Share your phone number with the dispatcher. This information is crucial for potential callbacks from the dispatcher, if needed.
Detail the emergency. Maintain a composed and articulate demeanor as you elucidate the reason for your call. Prioritize conveying essential information first, then respond to any subsequent inquiries from the dispatcher to the best of your ability.
- If reporting a crime, provide a physical description of the perpetrator.
- If reporting a fire, describe its origin and exact location. Additionally, report any injuries or missing individuals.
- If reporting a medical emergency, outline the circumstances and symptoms exhibited by the individual(s) involved.
Adhere to the dispatcher's directives. Once the dispatcher has gathered requisite details, they may instruct you to assist the affected individual(s). You might receive guidance on administering emergency medical aid, such as CPR. Maintain attentiveness and refrain from ending the call until instructed. Subsequently, adhere to the given instructions.
Stay on the line until instructed to end the call. Even if you can't hold the phone to your ear or put it on speaker, keep your phone active and do not disconnect the call.
End the call when directed by the dispatcher. If you need to make another call, proceed accordingly by revisiting the steps outlined in this guide.
Helpful Tips
Important Warnings
- Never initiate a false call. Making hoax calls jeopardizes the lives of those in genuine need of emergency assistance. Such actions are illegal and punishable by fines and/or imprisonment in certain jurisdictions.
- If faced with a fire emergency, evacuate the premises immediately. Seek shelter elsewhere and place your call from a neighbor's residence.
- Prioritize preparedness by documenting essential information, such as cross streets and addresses, beforehand. Display this information prominently near your telephone to facilitate communication with dispatchers during emergencies.
- Being equipped with effective communication strategies during emergencies becomes even more crucial during prolonged events like major earthquakes or floods.
