Facts about 9-1-1 Emergency Phone System

Many people believe that using a 10-digit number to reach a police or fire agency would be more effective than using 9-1-1. Dialing the extra digits will still reach a communications specialist, but 9-1-1 is still the best bet for getting the fastest response to an emergency.

Littleton Police and Fire use an enhanced 9-1-1 system that automatically puts the caller's address and phone number on a computer screen in front of the communications specialist.

The enhanced system helps when a caller is unable to talk or doesn't know where he or she is. The information on the computer screen also speeds the emergency crews'response time because it saves the communications specialist the extra step of getting the caller's address.

Although the 10-digit number will reach a communications specialist, the call will not have the same priority as it would on a 9-1-1 line. The information provided on the enhanced 9-1-1 system will not be available and the communications specialist will have to spend more time on the phone with a caller before sending a crew.

FIRE or MEDICAL non-emergency number — 303-794-1555
In the case of a fire or medical emergency, always dial 9-1-1 first and your call will be treated with the urgency it deserves. If the situation requires a fire or paramedic crew, but is not an emergency, use the 10-digit number (303-794-1555). If you don't know how serious the situation is, use 9-1-1.

POLICE non-emergency number — 303-794-1551
In the case of a police emergency, dial 9-1-1 only when there is a crime in progress or when there is some other immediate danger. Otherwise, use the 10-digit number (303-794-1551) to report crimes or to ask for officer assistance in situations that are not emergencies.