What Number to Call in an Emergency - Community Advisory

What number to dial in an emergency…

Takoma Park Police Services only - 301-270-1100

If you see a crime in progress, or have an emergency that only requires Takoma Park Police to respond, please dial 301-270-1100. Dialing this number bypasses the Montgomery County 9-1-1 dispatchers and rings directly to the dispatch desk at the Takoma Park Police Department.

Fire and Rescue - 9-1-1

If you have an emergency that requires fire and rescue services, you must dial 9-1-1. Although these 9-1-1 calls get routed through the Montgomery County dispatchers, they are equipped to send the quickest fire and/or rescue responders to your location.

What is 9-1-1?

Seconds count in an emergency! When you have an emergency in Takoma Park that requires fire and/or rescue, dial 9-1-1. It is an easy telephone number to remember. When fire or medical emergencies occur, 9-1-1 can help save precious time. Your call is answered by a trained emergency call taker who will provide you with the assistance you require. You can also dial 9-1-1 from your cellular phone. The call is toll free.

What is an Emergency?

An emergency is any situation where there are people or property at risk. Examples include fires, crimes in progress or medical emergencies.

What You Should Know When Dialing 9-1-1

• At home, you can dial 9-1-1 direct.

• When using a cellular phone be prepared to give the exact location of the emergency. This is a free call.

What You Should Know If You Only Have Cellular Service at Home

If you or someone you know has decided to give up their wired phone at home in favor of cellular only, we recommend the following precautions:

• Always be aware of where you have placed your handset. You want it to be easily found (by yourself and/or visitors) at a moment’s notice, at all hours of the day.

• Always ensure your handset has a fully charged battery. You may feel safer leaving it powered on at all times, ready to dial at a moment’s notice.

• Understand that even though you are in your home, your home address is not displayed to the 9-1-1 call dispatcher. Be prepared to provide this information verbally.

• Ensure your carrier has current/accurate subscriber information on file.

• Understand that some of the common problems with cellular calls do not go away just because you have dialed the digits 9-1-1. Voice transmissions can become distorted and/or interrupted just like any phone call you may place from your cell phone.

What You Can Do To Help Takoma Park Police and 9-1-1 Help You!

• Remain calm and speak clearly.

• If you call 301-270-1100, you will automatically be connected directly to the Takoma Park Police Department. If you are dialing 9-1-1 for fire and rescue, identify which emergency service you require (fire or ambulance) and be prepared to provide the following: what is happening, what is the location, what is your name, address, and telephone number.

• Please remain on the line to provide additional information if requested to do so by the call taker.

DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL THE CALL TAKER ADVISES YOU TO DO SO.

• Remember, it is important to have your house numbers visible from the street. This will assist emergency responders in locating you as quickly as possible.

What To Teach Your Children About 9-1-1

• Do your children know how to get help in an emergency? Teach your children how and when to get help directly from the Takoma Park Police Department or from 9-1-1. Teach your children their address and telephone number as soon as they are able to learn it and keep it posted by all phones in case they are unsure. Tell your children to answer all of the emergency call takers' questions and stay on the phone until they are told to hang up. Teach your children about the dangers of making prank 9-1-1 calls.

What Are The Dangers Of 9-1-1 Prank Calls?

Prank 9-1-1 calls waste time and money and can also be dangerous. If 9-1-1 lines or responders are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency might not get the help that they need.

What Is NOT An Emergency?

It is not an emergency when the situation is not dangerous and immediate action is not necessary.

Do not call 9-1-1:

• For information about school closings, road conditions, directions, etc.

• For directory assistance.

• For information about paying parking tickets.

Language Line Services

The Takoma Park Police Department has the capability of Language Line Services, in order to assist Communications Operators at the 9-1-1 Center (Communications Center) to manage calls for service from citizens who do not speak English. Dispatchers will make a three-way call to the Language Line and determine the nature of the call. All languages are covered on this Language Line.

What If Your Complaint Is Not An Emergency?

If your complaint is not an emergency, dial 301-270-1100, as this line also serves as the non-emergency number for the Takoma Park Police Department.