Dispatchers: It’s 911 Not 411

INDIO – The California Highway Patrol dispatch center in Indio got 200,000 911 calls last year. Norma Ramirez responded to many of them. But, way too often it’s for non-emergencies.

“Frustrating at times because when we are busy we do have 911 calls that are being backed up and we don’t have a chance to answer those because we have to deal with all the other calls,” says Ramirez.

Ramirez and other dispatchers want to give people a wake up call not to use 911 as 411. Only call 911 if someone’s life is in danger and preferably from a landline, it helps police and fire find you faster.

The gift under your christmas tree this year could be aChristmas phone. But you don’t need to call 911 to make sure it works. Don’t try to add 911 to your speed dial and remember to lock your phone’s keypad, so you don’t accidentally call the emergency number.

Wet roads can be a headache for drivers just don’t take your complaints to dispatchers.

“And they wanna know how long it’s gonna be out there. When traffic is gonna start moving or even people that wanna know when it’s gonna stop raining,” says Ramirez.

And while it can be frustrating, you don’t need 911 to report or complain about power outages.

You can be fined $1000 if you misuse of 911. So, while they say there’s no such thing as a stupid question, just make sure you ask the right person.