(ASL) DSDHH - 9-1-1, Know Your Location

Brenda: Hello Everyone, I would like to share a bit of information with you. If you are involved in an emergency, it is important to let 9-1-1 know exactly where you are so they can arrive as quickly as possible. For example, If I am driving on highway 85, from Charlotte NC to Concord NC, and I happen to see smoke bellowing from the hood of my car. I will then pull over, grab my belongings, my purse and my keys; wait for a break in traffic and stand away from the car slightly. I will then grab my phone and call 9-1-1. I will be connected from a VRS interpreter to the 9-1-1 dispatch. The dispatch may ask, '9-1-1 what is your emergency?' I will share that 'I am upset, and I need help and there is smoke bellowing from the front of my car.' They may ask where I am. I will share with them that I am on highway 85 from Charlotte to Concord 85 North and that I see a Mack truck trucking company and that I also see milepost number 35. There may also be signage that says Sugar Creek Rd ahead. That way they will be able to locate me as soon as possible and go ahead and send a fire truck. I ask them to hurry. I can then see the fire truck arriving, I thank the 9-1-1 dispatch for all of their help and their service. So it is important in case of an emergency if you do have to call 9-1-1 give them some location information. If you happen to not know the street name, that is perfectly fine. Let them know the name of any area businesses, restaurants, schools, churches, or any of that identifying information. You can also give them the milepost number or any signage that you see. So that 911 can send the police, the medic, or the fire to assist as quick as possible. Thank you.