Health Tip: Do’s and Don’ts for Calling 911

• Tweet
• Pin It

Some 240 million calls are made to 911 in the United States each year, says the National Emergency Number Association.

If you or a loved one needs law enforcement, firefighters or emergency medical help, call that number right away.

NENA shares these do’s and don’ts for calling 911:

• Do call for true emergencies. If you are unsure if it’s an emergency, still call.
• Do your best to stay calm and answer all questions.
• Do know the location of the emergency.
• Do post your home address number clearly.
• Do not just hang up the phone if you call 911 by accident.
• Do not prank call 911. In most states, this is illegal.

Copyright © 2026 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

• Tweet
• Pin It