9-1-1 Reminder

October 22, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Megan Silverstrim

                            717-729-7019

Cumberland County Emergency Officials Remind Residents to Dial 9-1-1 for Emergencies

Cumberland County, Pennsylvania- The Cumberland County Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding residents that 9-1-1 is the number to call for emergencies.  Several incidents recently have occurred in which those experiencing emergencies have attempted to directly dial police or fire departments to report an emergency or potential emergency.  By doing so, callers may delay services and the appropriate emergency response may not be generated. 

Cumberland County 9-1-1 dispatchers are specially trained to determine the nature and severity of an emergency through a series of questions.  They are also equipped with special equipment that helps in identifying caller location and determining appropriate emergency response.  While 9-1-1 is for emergencies only, DPS realizes situations may arise in which callers are unsure if an incident is an emergency.  When in doubt, callers should dial 9-1-1 for assistance.  Callers may also dial the non-emergency lines (717-238-9676- West Shore, 717-243-4121- Carlisle,          717-532-8878- Shippensburg) if they need fire or police assistance, but do not believe it to be an emergency situation.

The Cumberland County 9-1-1 center answers nearly 350,000 phone calls a year and dispatches for police, fire and emergency medical services in Cumberland County.  All Cumberland County 9-1-1 dispatchers are certified in emergency medical dispatch, CPR/AED response and must maintain various state and federal training certifications.  For more information on Cumberland County 9-1-1 visit www.ccpa.net/publicsafety.

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