When should I not use the 911 telephone number?

Do not use the 911 telephone number for any type of routine business such as accident reports, theft reports, keys locked in vehicle, animal problems, parking tickets, directory assistance (use 411), etc. While it is appropriate to call 911 for downed or arcing power lines, do not call 911 for power and water outages, call your utility provider. 911 personnel cannot provide you with outage information (location and duration) and calling 911 ties up emergency phone lines. Never call 911 as a prank or a joke. These calls are illegal and more importantly could cost someone else their life. A police officer / sheriff deputy will be dispatched to the location of these calls.

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1. What if I accidentally call 911?
2. What should I tell the 911 dispatcher?
3. When should I call 911?
4. When should I not use the 911 telephone number?