Public Safety Education

Helping you help us save lives.

Knowing when to call 911 and what to expect when you call can save lives. Use the information below to make the right choice and help our dispatchers get you the help you need as quickly as possible.

When to Call 911

Call 911 immediately for any life-threatening emergency or crime in progress. Every second counts.

  • check_circle Medical emergencies — Heart attack, stroke, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, severe bleeding, choking, overdose, childbirth
  • check_circle Fire or smoke — Structure fire, vehicle fire, smoke in the building
  • check_circle Crimes in progress — Burglary, assault, robbery, domestic violence, suspicious person or activity
  • check_circle Serious accidents — Vehicle crash with injuries, falls, industrial accidents
  • check_circle Other emergencies — Drowning, missing child or vulnerable adult, downed power lines, gas leak, active threat

When NOT to Call 911

Do not call 911 for non-emergencies. Using 911 for minor issues can delay help for real emergencies.

  • cancel Power outages — contact your utility company
  • cancel Directory assistance or general information — use 411 or the internet
  • cancel Road conditions or weather updates
  • cancel Minor property damage accidents with no injuries
  • cancel Lost or found pets (contact animal control or non-emergency)
  • cancel Noise complaints, parking issues, or non-urgent disputes

For non-emergencies in Coosada, call:

(334) 848-0001 — Non-Emergency Dispatch

(334) 848-0110 — Administrative

What to Expect When You Call 911

Our dispatchers are trained to get help to you as fast as possible. Stay calm and stay on the line. Answer all questions — we may be sending help while we talk.

1

Location

"Where is the emergency?" This is the most critical information. Give the address or the nearest cross streets. If you don't know, describe landmarks. If you're on a highway, give the direction and mile marker or exit.

2

What Happened

"Tell me exactly what happened." Be specific: Is it a fire? A crash? A medical issue? How many people are involved? The more we know, the better we can help.

Tips for Callers

  • Know your location. At home, know your full address. When traveling, note street names and landmarks. In rural areas, know your road name and approximate mile or house number.
  • Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up. Do not hang up to call someone else first.
  • Follow instructions. Dispatchers may give you life-saving instructions (e.g., CPR, controlling bleeding) before responders arrive.
  • If it's safe, meet responders outside and wave so they can find you quickly.

911 Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when I call 911?

When you dial 911, your call is answered by a trained emergency dispatcher. The dispatcher will ask for your location first, then ask what is happening. While you are still on the line answering questions, the dispatcher may already be sending police, fire, or ambulance responders to your location. Stay calm, answer the questions clearly, and do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you it is okay to do so.

What if I accidentally call 911?

Do not hang up. If you accidentally dial 911, stay on the line and tell the dispatcher it was an accidental call. If you hang up without speaking, the dispatcher may send responders to check on your safety, which takes resources away from real emergencies. Simply say, "I accidentally called 911, there is no emergency," and the dispatcher will confirm and end the call.

Can the dispatcher give me medical instructions?

Yes. Our dispatchers are certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and trained in Telephone CPR (T-CPR). If you are with someone experiencing a medical emergency, the dispatcher can walk you through life-saving procedures such as CPR, controlling severe bleeding, assisting with choking, and other critical interventions — all while Coosada Fire/Rescue's transport ambulance is on the way.

How does 911 know my location?

When you call 911 from a landline, the address registered to that phone number is automatically provided to the dispatcher. When calling from a cell phone, the dispatcher receives an approximate location based on cell tower data and GPS, but this location is not always exact. This is why the dispatcher will always ask you to confirm your location. Knowing your exact address or the nearest cross streets is the single most important thing you can do to help us get responders to you quickly.

What if I don't speak English?

Our dispatchers have access to translation and language interpretation services. If you call 911 and do not speak English, stay on the line. The dispatcher will work to identify your language and connect with an interpreter so that you can communicate the nature of your emergency and receive help.

Should I call 911 for an animal emergency?

Generally, no. For lost pets, stray animals, or injured wildlife, contact your local animal control or non-emergency line at (334) 848-0001. However, if an animal poses an immediate threat to human safety — such as an aggressive dog attacking someone — call 911 immediately.

What information should I have ready when calling 911?

Be prepared to provide: your exact location (address, cross streets, or landmarks), what is happening, how many people are involved or injured, descriptions of any suspects or vehicles, and whether any weapons are involved. You do not need to have all of this information to call — the dispatcher will guide you through the process. The most important thing is to call and report the emergency as soon as possible.

What is the non-emergency number for Coosada?

For situations that are not life-threatening and do not require an immediate emergency response, call the Coosada 911 non-emergency line at (334) 848-0001. Examples include noise complaints, non-injury accidents, minor property damage, and general inquiries. For administrative matters, call (334) 848-0110.