Service codes
911 — Emergency Services
911 connects you to police, fire, and medical help anywhere in the United States. Here's how it works and when to use it.
Last updated June 5, 2026
911 is the universal US emergency number for police, fire, and medical emergencies. Calls route to the nearest public safety answering point (PSAP), and Enhanced 911 provides your location automatically. Call 911 only for genuine emergencies; for crisis and mental health support use 988, and for non-emergency city services many areas use 311.
What 911 is for
911 is the nationwide number for life-threatening emergencies: a crime in progress, a fire, a serious injury or medical emergency. It works on any phone — landline, cell, or VoIP — and even on mobile phones without an active plan. It is free to call from anywhere in the US.
How 911 finds you
Enhanced 911 (E911) automatically delivers your phone number and location to the dispatcher. Landlines report a fixed address; mobile phones provide location from the network and GPS, and modern handsets can send more precise device-based location. Even so, always be ready to state your location, because technology can be imperfect — especially indoors.
911 vs. 988 vs. 311
Use the right number for the situation:
- 911 — immediate danger to life or property.
- 988 — mental health, suicide, or substance-use crisis.
- 311 — non-emergency city services in many municipalities (potholes, noise, info).
If you call 911 by mistake
Don't hang up. Stay on the line and tell the dispatcher it was accidental and there's no emergency — otherwise they may dispatch responders or call back to confirm your safety. Teaching children when (and when not) to dial 911 helps reduce accidental calls.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
When should I call 911?
Call 911 for any emergency that threatens life or property — a crime in progress, a fire, or a serious medical situation. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988 instead.
Does 911 know my location?
Enhanced 911 automatically provides your number and location, more precisely on landlines than on cell phones. Always be ready to state where you are.
Can I text 911?
Text-to-911 is available in many but not all areas. Call if you can; text only if calling isn't safe or possible, and be prepared that some regions don't yet support it.
What if I dial 911 by accident?
Stay on the line and tell the dispatcher there's no emergency. Hanging up may prompt them to send responders or call you back to verify your safety.
Keep reading
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How US Area Codes Work · Overlay Area Codes Explained · Area Code Splits · 10-Digit Dialing · Toll-Free Numbers · Newest & Upcoming Area Codes · Retired & Changed Area Codes · Spam & Scam-Risk Area Codes