Press Release

Citizens Cautioned Not to Use 9-1-1 for Non-Emergency Calls During Severe Weather or Siren Tests

Pontiac, MI, June 9, 2008 Oakland County Emergency Response and Preparedness (ERP) reminds citizens that when tornado sirens are activated, either to test the system which is done the first Saturday of the month between March and November or to indicate an actual tornado, the 9-1-1 emergency number should not be called.

9-1-1 is reserved for life threatening emergencies only.  Calling 9-1-1 in a non-emergency only overloads emergency lines and prevents people who need potential life saving help from getting it.

The public is asked to refrain from calling 9-1-1 for directory assistance in non-emergency situations.  Instead they should use the seven digit number plus area code, to contact their local police and/or fire department. 

An emergency for which calls to 9-1-1 are appropriate include:

• Crimes in progress
• Fires
• Immediate life threatening situations such as heart attack or other medical emergency
• Environmental hazards like hazardous materials spills
• Drug activity such as overdose or poison
• Robberies
• Traffic accidents with serious injuries
• Emergency medical assistance

The publics cooperation in this matter is extremely important and greatly appreciated.

For media inquiries only, please contact Bob Dustman, Media and Communications Officer, at (248) 858-1048.  Or contact Emergency Response and Preparedness at (248) 858-5300.