When to Call 9-1-1

Call 9-1-1 for any situation which requires immediate response from law enforcement, fire or an ambulance.  This includes:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Structure fire
  • Domestic violence
  • Burglary or theft in progress
  • Grass fire
  • Car accident with life threatening injuries
  • Suspicious activities
  • Crimes in progress
  • Anything else that seems like an emergency or requires response from law enforcement, fire or EMS

When NOT to Call 9-1-1

Do not call 9-1-1 if an immediate response is not needed from law enforcement, fire or EMS.  This includes:

  • Requesting information/directions
  • Reporting a power outage
  • Reporting broken fire hydrants
  • Seeking legal advice
  • Requesting animal control service
  • Checking if someone is in jail
  • For other issues that do not require immediate response from law enforcement, fire or ambulance

Never prank call 9-1-1

 Calling 9-1-1 as a prank call may delay or prevent those with real emergencies from getting immediate assistance.  In many areas of the country, including in Minnesota, it is against the law to make prank calls to 9-1-1.