Washington County, Kansas--911 General Information

911 saves lives. When you are faced with an emergency, time plays a very important part in the outcome. That's why you should always use 911 when you need emergency help from Law Enforcement, Fire, an ambulance or possibly all three. Even the smallest child can be taught to use 911.

911 is a 24 hour number and is accessible from any
working phone, and it is toll free.

Washington County Communications is equipped with the enhanced 911 system. When a 911 call comes in to the Sheriff's Office a display appears on a computer screen to let the Dispatchers know from where the call is coming and from what phone number. However the Dispatcher will confirm this information with the caller to insure that the information is correct.

911 Information you should know!

The following are a few examples
when you should or should not use 911:

Call 911

Personal/Automobile Accidents
Assaults
Robberies/Burglaries
Fires/Odor of Gases
Medical Emergencies
Homicide

If in doubt, call 911

Should NOT call 911

Abandoned Vehicles
Weather/Road Conditions
Operator assistance (phone numbers)
Cattle out
Dogs barking
Control Burns
General administrative questions

When calling to report an incident, Stay calm, and speak clearly. The Dispatcher answering will ask "What is your emergency?" Explain what is happening and where. Give your name and address. The Dispatcher will ask you a number of questions based on the situation. Remember to stay calm and answer the questions as best as you can. Know that help is on the way.

Very Important information to remember
when calling 9-1-1 on your cell phone.

The growth in cell phone usage is tremendous- but, if you depend on a cell phone in an emergency, help may not be able to find you.

It’s one of the main reasons people buy cell phones in the first place: Just in case of emergency. And every day, thousands use their cell phones to dial 9-1-1. The problem is that, for some of them, help is more than just a phone call away. Everyone relies on their cell phones for the perceived sense of security they can’t provide.

DISPATCHERS DO NOT KNOW WHERE YOU ARE!!! Your call will hit the nearest cell tower, not always in the county you are calling from, and that tower could be miles from where you are.
Know where you are: an address, intersection or highway mile marker.
Know your phone number! If emergency personnel cannot find your location, we can call you back for more information.
Poor Connections or weak signals!! Very frustrating for everyone!! We may not be able to hear you, move to a better location and call again.

Numerous tragedies have occurred as Cell phone owners have the expectation that when they dial 911, like they do at their house, that they'll be able to be found. Tragic examples can be found at www.nena.org/Wireless911/Tragedies

Last October, the federal government set a mandate for cell phone companies to find a solution. Each cellular company has an individual timetable for getting the job done. Contact your cellular company for further information.

Address:
301 B Street
Washington, KS 66968

Phone:
785-325-2293

Fax:
785-325-2924