Utilize 9-1-1 for all Emergencies

SOMERS, CT - Somers Fire Department officials are urging residents to utilize the 9-1-1 system for any incidents requiring fire or emergency medical services. Over the past few months, a significant number of calls have been received on the routine fire station line, including reports of structure fires, brush fires, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, and various other incidents.

To ensure the most efficient response, the public is reminded to dial 911 for any emergency situation. Even if a situation may not seem like an immediate emergency, calling 9-1-1 remains the best course of action. This includes reports of illegal burning, minor medical emergencies, water leaks, and other situations a citizen believes requires emergency services. The 9-1-1 system is designed to prioritize and dispatch emergency resources efficiently, whereas calls to a fire station’s routine line may create delays.

Reasons to Call 911 Instead of the Fire Station:

1. Location Access – Unlike the 9-1-1 system, routine station lines do not provide automatic access to caller location or address information. 9-1-1 operators have the ability to locate landline addresses and may access GPS data from cell phone calls, aiding responders in reaching the scene quickly. It is also important to know the exact location so the proper mutual aid resources can be dispatched if needed for larger incidents or higher acuity medical emergencies.
2. Emergency Availability – Fire station personnel may already be engaged in an emergency response, making it difficult to answer routine calls. By calling 9-1-1, dispatchers can ensure that the nearest available emergency units are sent without delay.
3. Emergency Triage – When unsure whether a situation qualifies as an emergency, calling 9-1-1 is still the best approach. Dispatchers are trained to assess the situation and initiate an appropriate response or refer the caller to the proper agency.

How to Use 911 Effectively

The Tolland County Mutual Aid Fire Service, Inc. provides the following guidance on using 911:

• Dial 9-1-1 and be prepared to answer key questions:
  • Where is the location of the emergency?
  • What is the caller’s name and phone number?
  • What is happening?

While 9-1-1 Operators ask callers these questions, they are entering the information into a computerized dispatch system. Other dispatchers can see that information and send help while the other is still talking to callers on the phone. Answering questions DOES NOT delay response. They will often keep callers on the phone and obtain more information to give to the responders. It is important to remain on the phone to provide additional information as requested by the dispatcher. DO NOT HANG UP until the dispatcher advises you to do so. The Tolland County 9-1-1 center also utilizes Emergency Medical Dispatch software, which allows them to ask appropriate questions to gather pertinent information to pass on to responders for medical emergencies. This is a capability fire stations do not have access to.

For additional information on using 911 effectively, visit https://tollandcounty911.org/faqs.

Ensuring that emergency calls go through the proper channels will enhance response times and improve overall community safety.

For media inquiries, please contact:

David Lenart

Fire Chief, Somers Fire Department

Phone (959)258-2474

Email: dlenart@somersct.gov

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