OWL VFD Wants You to be Prepared!

April is National 911 Education Month

Calling 911 during an emergency is critical to getting first responders to you as quickly as possible. Once you know you are safe to do so, (get out of a burning building or away from moving traffic before using a phone) here are the things you and your loved ones need to do to help us help you!

Know your location: Wireless calls to 9-1-1 provide some location information but call takers may need more specific information. Be prepared to provide detailed information on where you are so that help can get to you as quickly as possible.

Stay Calm and Don’t Hang Up: Until you are instructed to do otherwise, stay on the line so you can provide any necessary information or assistance to the 9-1-1 call taker. Even if you accidentally call 911, don’t hang up. Inform the call taker that you dialed accidentally and that there is no emergency.

Call If You Can, Text If You Can’t: Text-to 9-1-1 service has been available to Prince William County since 2017. The service benefits individuals (or persons) who are deaf, hard of hearing or in a situation where they cannot speak and make a voice call. However, a traditional voice call, if possible, is still the best way to reach emergency services.

“For almost five decades, 9-1-1 has served as the vital link between the our community and emergency services. Public education and awareness initiatives have contributed in large measure to this incredible success.” said Chief Wayne Haight of Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department. “No one wakes up in the morning thinking they will call 9-1-1 that day. But if you do, know that OWL VFD will be there for you!”