When to Use 911

Dial 9-1-1 to … stop a crime … to report a fire … to save a life

The 9-1-1 rules you need to know

Dial 9-1-1 only for an emergency

An emergency is:

Any serious medical problem

Any type of fire

Any life-threatening situation

Any crime in progress

**Note: Should you need assistance and for some reason are unable to stay on the line. Please dial 911 and lay the phone down. This will keep the line open and the dispatcher will be able to hear the background noise. This will allow the dispatcher to update the responding units of the on-going situation.

Non-emergency Situations

Dial the Hood River County Dispatch Center at (541) 386-2711 for non-emergency situations.

Non-emergency situations include “cold” (not in progress) break-ins to vehicles, theft of property or vandalism. You should use the non-emergency number for intoxicated persons who are not disorderly, cars blocking the street or driveway, or non-injury motor vehicle accidents.

Accidental 9-1-1 Calls

Should you accidentally dial 9-1-1, DO NOT HANG UP! Instead, stay on the phone and explain to the dispatcher that you dialed by mistake and that you do not have an emergency. If you hang up an officer will be dispatched to the caller’s address to inquire if there is indeed an emergency. This will needlessly take resources away from genuine emergencies.