When to Call 911

9-1-1 is the telephone number for "life and death" EMERGENCIES. In Delta County call 9-1-1 to get assistance from the police/sheriff, fire, rescue or ambulance. 9-1-1 is always available 24 hours a day!

Dial 9-1-1 anytime you need a police officer, deputy sheriff, fire truck, rescue squad or ambulance to come to your home, business, or location. Some examples of when to call 9-1-1 include:

When someone is hurt or ill and an ambulance is needed
When you see fire or smoke
When someone's life or property is in danger
When a crime is actively being committed

When you dial 9-1-1

Your 9-1-1 call is routed through 9-1-1 system to the Communications Center at the Delta County Sheriff Office. Our dispatch center has an enhanced 9-1-1 system, which means that when you call 9-1-1 the caller's name (from where the call was placed), phone number, address, and other important information is displayed, however a dispatcher will always ask you where your emergency is and ask to confirm your location so we can get first responders routed to you in the correct spot!

Anyone can call 9-1-1

Children should be taught to call 9-1-1 for police, fire or medical help.
The sight impaired can use the digits 9-1-1 on the telephone, or use a pre-programmed speed dial button.
The hearing impaired can use a TDD machine.

How to Call 9-1-1:

To call from home or simple business phone, simply pick up the receiver and press the numbers 9-1-1.
To call from a business phone system (Centrex or PBX), obtain an outside line (usually beginning with "9"), then press the numbers 9-1-1.
To call from a cellular phone or mobile phone, press the numbers 9-1-1. Remember when calling from a cellular phone, location information may not always will be displayed for the 9-1-1 operator.
Always call or text 9-1-1! Never search online for a non-emergency phone number!
- If you, a family member or friend are experiencing an emergency, don't delay - call 9-1-1. Never search online for a phone number for the fire department, law enforcement or ambulance. Fire and ambulance stations are not always staffed and you should never call them direct - ALWAYS call Delta County dispatch first and they will send the nearest available unit to your location.
- In non-emergency situations, contact Delta County Dispatch at 970.874.2015. Dispatchers are on-duty 24/7/365 and here to assist you. They dispatch for all fire, law enforcement and EMS agencies in Delta County.

Tell the Dispatcher:

The location
Telephone number you are calling from
The type or emergency
Other necessary information
Your name

DO NOT HANG UP!

The Dispatcher may need to ask you additional questions regarding the incident. It is important that you remain on the line with the Dispatcher and answer the questions as best you can. The more information you can give, the better the first responders will be able to assist you when they arrive on the scene.

Texting 9-1-1

The Delta County Sheriff’s 911 Dispatch is equipped to receive and respond to text messages sent to 911. This service is available for use by the deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech impaired and in situations where it is too dangerous to make a voice call to 911. All phones or devices must include a text or data plan to send a text to 911. The guidance is - Call if you can, text if you must! To text 9-1-1 simply put 911 in the number to text to, and then in the body of the message include your name, current location where you need help and what is going on. This will help dispatchers route the correct responders to your location.

Remember:

9-1-1 is an EMERGENCY number. Please do not call or text this line to ask questions or as a prank or joke.
Make sure your house number is visible from the street during both the day and night.