Q. Why do I have to have an address when I call?  
A. Confirming your location is critical to ensure we get you the assistance you need. The address you give is compared to the computer database for accuracy. On occasion the address in the database may be incorrect or the caller may be at a location other than the address of the emergency.

Q. Why does the dispatcher have to ask so many questions?
A. Dispatchers try to obtain as much information about the emergency to determine which responders need to be sent and to prepare those responders for what they'll encounter once they are on the scene. Standard Operating Guidelines dictate the nature of the questions they ask depending upon call type. Even though the dispatcher is asking numerous questions, rest assured that help is on the way and has been dispatched once the location and nature of the emergency has been determined.

Q. Isn't it quicker just to call the sheriff, police, or fire department direct?
A. Without 9-1-1, you have to remember and dial seven digit numbers (sometimes eleven digit numbers if you're calling long distance).  9-1-1 is nationally known and designated as the emergency number, so even visitors or travelers can use 9-1-1 to report incidents.  Dispatchers can also simultaneously dispatch police, fire, EMS, or Emergency Management with your single call to 9-1-1.  Without 9-1-1, there are often delays in calling multiple agencies, and in the communication between these agencies.

Q. Does it make a difference if I call 9-1-1 from a cell phone?
A. YES, it is very important that you provide as much information as possible to the call taker during your call. This includes:

• The location of the emergency. Be as exact as possible, a house address or street intersection.
• Your wireless phone number.
• The name of the road and direction that you were traveling.
  

New technology is now available that allows dispatchers to receive the phone number and approximate location from where the wireless 9-1-1 calls originated. Even though this new technology has been implemented in Jessamine County, it will be important to know your exact location in the event of an emergency.

Please be aware that there may be some areas in Jessamine County where cell calls are sent to a neighboring county or to the Kentucky State Police. If your cell phone directs you to another jurisdiction, you will need to tell them you have an emergency in Jessamine County. Your call will be transferred accordingly.

Q. When I called 9-1-1, my address was wrong in the computer.  Why?
A. Changes in the computer database may take up to one week to be updated.  If you've recently moved or changed telephone numbers, the database may simply not be updated yet. There is always the potential for human error when these data entries are made.  This is why dispatchers always verify your location, and if the address is wrong in the database, dispatchers will submit a report to the telephone company to remedy the problem.

Q. Should I call 911 if I will be having a controlled burn?
A. Please call the non-emergency number (859) 887-5447.

Q. Why did it take 9-1-1 so long to come to my house?
A. First, 9-1-1 doesn't respond to calls.  Public safety dispatchers staff a dispatch center that receives calls, then dispatches the police, fire, and EMS units that respond to your call.  Many agencies cover large areas, and response times can be lengthy.  Also, if units are busy with other emergency calls, they must finish those calls before they can respond to yours.  All calls are dispatched immediately; if field units are busy, they themselves prioritize the calls according to the level of the emergency.