There is one easy-to remember number to call for police, fire and medical emergenies -- 911. No coin is required if calling from a pay phone.

But please remember, 911 is an emergency number ONLY.

To place non-emergency calls to a police agency, fire department or medical service, please consult your telephone directory for the appropriate numbers.

1) If you call from any telephone in Tompkins County, listen for a dial tone, then press 911. You do not have to deposit a coin in a pay phone.

2) When you reach the emergency 911 phone dispatcher, you will be asked to verify the location from which you are calling and describe the nature of the emergency.

3) Stay calm. Do not hang up. Stay on the telephone until directed otherwise by the 911 dispatcher. If you hang up, you must redial.

4) If you call from a cellular phone, your call will be routed to the New York State Police. Describe the nature of your emergency and your call will be routed to the appropriate agency. Note that cellular calls go to many "cell sites" and your call might not be answered close to where you are. You must describe to the dispatcher the location of ther emergency you are reporting.

Intentional misuse of 911 is against the law and may delay someone else's access to emergency assistance.

Call 911 to report:
Someone breaking into your home now, or breaking into a neighbor's home

A shooting

A fire

A traffic accident involving injury

A person screaming

A person choking

A fight or display of weapons

An emergency is any situation that to preserve life or property requires immediate response by police, fire or emergency medical agencies 

Do NOT call 911 to:
Report telephone, power or cable television outages

Report an abandoned vehicle, a loud party, a pet-related problem or vandalism

Request legal advise

Request directory assistance

Request or provide any information that does NOT need immediate attention.

Please remember:
911 is an emergency number and should not be used for non-emergency purposes.