"Because Brunswick County is a coastal community, it is vital for families to have a Home Emergency Communications Plan. It is critically important when you have children or elderly people living in your home. You need to be prepared."
Randy Thompson
Brunswick Emergency Service Director

Getting Help Fast
What You Should Know About Using 9-1-1

Know When It is a True Emergency

Sometimes people don't understand what is considered a real emergency. 9-1-1 is for when you or someone in your immediate vicinity is in imminent danger, whether they need the police, fire department or an ambulance. If you are not sure, dial 9-1-1 and let the emergency services experts decide.

Know Your Exact Location and Pay Attention to Details

Make sure you know the address of where you are calling from and if not, check out your surroundings for details that will help emergency dispatchers to determine your address. This includes landmarks, street signs, building signs.

Remain Calm

It is very important that you stay calm and do not panic when calling 9-1-1. The operator will need to understand you in order to send help. Speak clearly and concisely.

Do Not Ever Hang Up

Even when you call 9-1-1 accidentally, it is important that you never hang up. This also holds true if you called with a real emergency that has been resolved. A hang-up is an indication to the operator that you are in a troubled situation, so always stay on the line, even if it is only to notify them that calling 9-1-1 was an error.

RESOURCES

The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) www.nena.org