鈥嬧�媁hen to use 9-1-1 versus the Non-Emergency Number
When to Call 911: Understanding Emergencies
What Is an Emergency? Call 9-1-1 or x5555
An emergency is any situation requiring immediate assistance from police, fire, or ambulance services. Call 911 only for urgent, life-threatening, or serious incidents.
Examples of Emergencies:
Severe Weather
Active Threat
Fire / Evacuation
A crime in progress
Domestic violence
Car accidents with injuries
Suspicious activity posing immediate danger
Serious medical problems
Uncontrolled or unsupervised fires
Life-threatening crimes
What Is a Non-Emergency? Call 352-395-5519
Non-emergency situations don't require immediate action and should be reported through a non-emergency line, not 911.
Examples of Non-Emergencies:
Property-damage accidents (e.g., 鈥榝ender benders鈥�)
Stolen Bicycle
Noise Complaint
Vehicle break-ins (after the suspect has left)
Theft (after the suspect is gone)
Vandalism (after the suspect is gone)
Panhandlers
Parking violations
Faculty and Staff: Assisting Students in Distress
For situations involving students, refer to the Assisting Students in Distress Faculty and Staff Resource Guide for detailed guidance on assessing and responding to student needs. The guide categorizes situations into three tiers:
- Tier 1: Imminent Threat
An immediate danger to the safety of the student or community. Call 911 immediately.
Examples: Active threats, severe self-harm risk, or violence. - Tier 2: Urgent but Not Immediate
Immediate safety isn鈥檛 a concern, but intervention is needed as soon as possible (within 24 hours).
Examples: Mental health crises without imminent risk, concerning behavior requiring quick support. - Tier 3: Non-Urgent Referrals
Situations that don鈥檛 require immediate action but may benefit from support or resources.
Examples: General academic stress, minor behavioral concerns.
Helpful Tips for Calling 911
Follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth and effective 911 call:
- Listen to the Dispatcher: They鈥檙e trained to guide you.
- Stay on the Line: Don鈥檛 hang up until they say it鈥檚 okay.
- Answer Questions: The questions are for your safety, the public鈥檚, and the responders鈥�.
- Help Is on the Way: Dispatchers may ask questions while units are already being sent鈥攄on鈥檛 assume delays.
- How It Works: Information is entered into a computer and sent to the appropriate responders.
Key Takeaway
Use 911 wisely鈥攔eserve it for true emergencies to keep lines open for those in immediate need.