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All too frequently we hear of tragic stories regarding people who call to report a fire or other emergency, yet, in their fright, forget to tell the dispatcher their address. Others claim they called the fire department and the dispatcher kept them on the telephone too long asking questions. However, what seems, at the time like needless questions will actually aid the fire department in getting assistance quickly to your home.
With
911 coming to Steuben County Soon
The Bath Volunteer Fire Department
recommends
the following rules when reporting a fire or other emergency:
During a fire, evacuate the building or residence. Call the fire department from a neighbor's telephone.
When the dispatcher answers notify them that you are reporting a fire emergency. Give the dispatcher your name.
The dispatcher will ask you what number you are calling from, in the event of an accidental disconnection or if additional information is needed the dispatcher will call you back at that number.
Next, provide the dispatcher with the address of the emergency and nearest cross street, if known. If you are unfamiliar with the area, try to give the dispatcher specific landmarks, such as the name of an adjacent building, or road, that will help the fire department locate the emergency.
Stay on the phone until the dispatcher completes the questioning and disconnects the call.
Most important, stay calm and speak clearly to give the dispatcher as much information as possible regarding the nature of the emergency.
Another important reminder is to post your fire number or house number where it is visible for responding emergency units. If your home sits away from the roadway post your number on a post or mailbox near the driveway.
For more information about proper address posting visit the Steuben County 911 Web Site
Emergency calls made right help save
lives.