Calling 9-1-1

Calling 9-1-1 in an emergency
FIRST – WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY?
An emergency can be defined as a situation that poses an imminent danger to life or property. You can make a determination of a situation by asking yourself this question: Are the police, fire department or paramedic assistance needed right now to protect life or property? For instance, any fire or smell of smoke, a heart attack, an in-progress assault, a shooting or an injury traffic collision are examples of calls for which 9-1-1 should be used.
For non-emergency service calls to your Police Department, in El Cajon you should dial (619) 579-3311. Non-emergency calls would include those such as reporting a loud party, a bicycle stolen some time ago, an assault that may have happened yesterday or a burglary that may have happened some time earlier.
As a good rule of thumb, if you can’t decide whether the call is an emergency or not, it is better to err on the side of safety. In other words, when in doubt, dial 9-1-1.
When you should call 9-1-1?
In an emergency -
When you need help
When you need the police, fire department or an ambulance.
Stay calm.
Explain what’s wrong – what type of an emergency it is.
Explain what type of help you need – fire, police, ambulance.
Explain where help is needed.
Give your name and address loudly and clearly.
Answer all questions that are asked of you.
Do not hang up until the dispatcher says it’s ok to do so.
WHAT TO SAY:
Explain what is wrong-what type of emergency it is (i.e. fire, injury, accident, crime in progress).
Explain what type of help you need-fire, police, ambulance.
Explain where help is needed- location of the emergency.
Give your name and telephone number so that the operator can call back if your call is disconnected.
You may be asked to give you home address for reporting purposes.
HOW TO DESCRIBE WHERE YOU ARE LOCATED?
Look for street names, big signs, or buildings you know.
Tell the dispatcher where you were coming from, where you are now and where you were going to (i.e. we left home to go to grandma’s house).
Tell the dispatcher if you are in a car, walking, or riding a bike, in a store, etc.
Teach Your Children “How To Call 9-1-1″
To try and stay calm
To speak loud and clear
Explain what the emergency is
Where they are
Teach them your address – the dispatcher may ask them to confirm the address on their screen
Answer the questions of the dispatcher nice and clearly – speak up
Don’t hand up until the dispatcher tells you too
Let your child know that 9-1-1 dispatchers are there to help in an emergency
If they accidently call 9-1-1, tell them not to be afraid and to stay on the line to tell the dispatcher you dialed incorrectly – when a dispatcher gets a hang-up they’ll call you back to make sure there wasn’t an actual emergency
Make sure they understand it’s for emergencies only and not to play pranks etc. But – please do not use this number to practice calling – please UNPLUG the phone while you practice
When should you NOT call 9-1-1?
When there is no emergency
For animals (cats in trees)
As a game or prank
As a joke
To practice (unplug the phone or use a toy phone)
Do NOT call 9-1-1:
For information (Call 4-1-1 or 2-1-1)
For directions (Sea World, Zoo etc)
For directory assistance
For paying tickets
For your pet
As a prank
When you’re bored and just want to talk.
If you call 9-1-1 by mistake, do not hang up. Tell the call taker what happened so that he/she knows that there is no emergency.
9-1-1 Calls from Cell Phones
Answered by CHP, but soon, due to GPS, they’ll soon be answered in the city you’re calling from. If you’re in El Cajon your call will go to the El Cajon Police Dispatch
Be patient – there are thousands of cell phones out there – and when there’s a collision – dozens of people may be calling in, so you may get a busy signal or put on hold.
On May 9th, San Diego Police Department (SDPD) began receiving 9-1-1 wireless calls from Verizon Wireless customers – calls placed within the City limits except those made from freeways, which are still answered by CHP. On May 12th, SDPD began answering calls from Cingular customers. Sprint is currently testing their cell sites and they plan to change over service by May 27th. The next two companies will be Nextel and T-Mobil. SDPD is working with them to ensure their readiness and hopes to directly receive their calls sometime in June.
What is GPS – The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. This is being installed in newer cellular phones and will eventually send calls from cell phones directly to the 9-1-1 dispatchers in the city you’re calling from. The “G” can also stand for “geographical”.
If you accidentally call 911:
DO NOT HANG UP.
Stay on the telephone until the dispatcher answers.
Explain that you accidentally called 9-1-1 and there is no emergency.
You will not be in trouble if you accidentally call 9-1-1. DO NOT hang up.
NOTE: As a matter of policy, if the 9-1-1 center receives the call back number on disconnect, an operator will attempt to call back to determine if there is a true emergency. Stress to the children that it is better to stay on the phone and tell the operator that they accidentally called 9-1-1. Eliminating the need for call back saves valuable call taker time for other emergency calls. Otherwise an officer may go to your address to see if there is an emergency.
What about Prank 9-1-1 calls?
A prank call is when someone calls 9-1-1 for a joke, or calls 9-1-1 and hangs up. Prank calls not only waste time and money, but they can also be dangerous. If 9-1-1 lines or 9-1-1 call takers are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency may not be able to get the help they need. In some communities, it is considered illegal to make prank 9-1-1 calls.
What if a 9-1-1 caller is hearing or speech impaired?
Communication centers which answer 9-1-1 calls have special text telephones for responding to 9-1-1 calls from hearing or speech impaired callers.
Additional Information:
WHAT IS 9-1-1?
9-1-1 is an immediate way you may call for your public safety services during an emergency. These services include your Police Department, your Fire Department and Area Ambulance Service, your emergency medical service provider.

*ARE YOU FIRE SAFE? YOUR KIDS?

We saw what happened during Firestorm 2003…but “Fire Season” is year-round here in San Diego County! Be pro-active in protecting your home and family, especially if you live in areas surrounded by trees and brush. It’s all about being prepared…are you?
Lifesaving Tips – Have a “working” smoke detector (have you checked yours lately?), have a flashlight and a battery operated radio! If you feel uneasy about a fire burning near your area, don’t hesitate – evacuate! Have a plan!!!
The CDF Homeowners Checklist is your tool for fire safety inside and outside your home. Print it out and use it as a handy guide to check safety measures room by room. Then head outside and make sure you have taken all possible precautions against future wildfire. Valuable tips especially for those rebuilding.

Here are fun and educational Fire Safety websites for your children…

Sparky – The Fire Safety Mascot!
Smokey Bear – Safety Information
“Fire Pals” For Fire Safety!
USFA Fire Safety For Kids
For Parents, Baby Sitters, Care-givers – click here for *a special message from FEMA.

Toxic Plants Linked to Animal Deaths

Family Pet Eats Toxic Plant, Dies – Humane Society Warns Pet Owners Of Toxic Plants
February 7, 2006
SAN DIEGO – A Poway family shares their story in hopes they will spare another family of the loss they have experienced.
It was innocent enough when the Anderson’s pet schnauzers ate a plant in their back yard.
The trouble began after Beth Anderson bought a plant called Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow from Wal-Mart and planted it in her back yard
“I bought it because it did well in the shade. It had cute flowers,” Anderson said.
But those cute flowers are highly toxic, and in this case deadly. One of Anderson’s schnauzers died and the other, Jill, was in the veternarian’s hospital for days.
The San Diego Humane Society recommends owners do their research before selecting plants for their home. It is important to keep in mind that, not only certain plants but even specific plant parts, can be toxic and can affect dogs, cats and small animals.
Anderson said store officials seemed concerned but 10News checked and the plants are still on the shelves. Right now, Anderson’s main concern is for other pet owners.
“It’s been a rough week … it’s been difficult,” Anderson said.
A little bit of reseach could have saved a lot of grief.
A Wal-Mart spokesperson said the store is looking into the problem.
If you think your animal has ingested a poisonous substance, immediately contact your veterinarian, take your pet to an emergency veterinary hospital, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
On April 20, the San Diego Humane Society is hosting a class called “Planting With Your Pooch.” To register, or for more information, visit San Diego Humane Society .
MOST POISONOUS PLANTS FOR ANIMALS:
Marijuana
Sago Palm
Lilies
Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
Azalea/Rhododendron
Oleander
Castor Bean
Cyclamen
Kalanchoe
Yew
Foxglove
List Of All Toxic Plants
SD HUMANE SOCIETY – Phone: (619) 243-3424
Web Site: San Diego Humane Society

Overall Food Safety

NEWS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2005
*KEEP BACTERIA OFF YOUR HOLIDAY GUEST LIST Safe Food Handling
Tips from the Department of Environmental Health Thanksgiving is almost upon us and family and friends will come together to celebrate.
Food safety is very important because large amounts of food are often prepared and served. Here are a few safety tips to prevent microscopic guests from joining your party.
*PLAN: Plan ahead. Decide how much food can be safely served. Take into account the cooking and refrigerator space. Thinking of defrosting a frozen turkey? Plan ahead for safe, slow thawing in the refrigerator. A large turkey requires at least 24 hours for every 5 pounds of weight. Get your meat thermometer ready for a busy day.
*CLEAN: Wash your hands before and after handling food. Thoroughly rinse produce prior to use. Wash and sanitize the counters, cutting boards and equipment before and after preparing your holiday feast. ???? SEPARATE: Keep produce separated from raw meat products. Place turkey onto a plate or in a pan at the bottom of the refrigerator to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods while defrosting in the refrigerator. When the bird is defrosted it can remain refrigerated for 1-2 days before cooking. Try using separate cutting boards for meat and fruits or vegetables.
*COOK: Cook turkey to180°F and the stuffing to165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure bacteria safe temperatures are reached. The temperature of a whole turkey must reach 180ºF in the innermost part of the thigh.
*The safest way to cook stuffing is separate from the bird. Germs can thrive in the stuffing ingredients if it is improperly cooked in the turkey. Leftovers should be reheated to 165°F before eating. Gravy should be reheated to a boil and leftovers, if heated, should be thoroughly reheated to 165° F.
*CHILL: Keep cold foods at 41oF or less. Check the temperature inside your refrigerator. If preparing foods ahead of time, refrigerate to minimize bacterial growth. Cut leftover turkey into small pieces, or slice. Refrigerate stuffing and turkey separately in shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking.

Earthquakes! Are YOU Prepared?

• Did we just have an earthquake? Click here: Earthquake Information Data.

More information on recent activity or latest list of Earthquakes
For more immediate information on how you can better prepare for earthquakes click here: Earthquake Preparedness!
Here are additional resources on what to do in case of an earthquake at home or at work – or for general information on earthquake preparedness.
How about information on preparedness for your children? Click here: Disaster Preparedness For Children
The more you and your family are prepared for an emergency – your chances of survival will be greater! Whether it’s the aftermath of an earthquake, fire or terrorism – being “prepared” can make all the difference.
Are you prepared? Sign up for the nearest available CERT class! See information below about CERT disaster preparedness classes in the next section below.


• The San Diego County Office of Emergency Services : On this site you can watch several videos on preparedness. Just click on: OES
  Tsunami Warning? Don’t call 9-1-1 for information, call the San Diego County Emergency Services number at (858)715-2250.

• Don’t forget – you can also dial 2-1-1 for more disaster help resources!
  

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  21 Things You Can Do When Living Through A Traumatic Experience

  September 12, 2005  
  Filed under Safety Tips

  From The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.

• The Academy recognized a need to share practical and timely information with survivors of traumatic events and those who care for them. It is in this spirit that the Academy is providing this newsletter as a public service.
  21 Things You Can Do When You`re Living Through a Traumatic Experience
  Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D.
  President, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress
  In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the countless people touched by this unfortunate event. In view of numerous requests for information to help survivors, the Academy is sending this information out through an Urgent Trauma Response.
  1. Take immediate action to ensure your physical safety and the safety of others. If it’s possible, remove yourself from the event/scene in order to avoid further traumatic exposure.
  2. Address your acute medical needs (e.g., If you’re having difficulty breathing, experiencing chest pains or palpitations, seek immediate medical attention).
  3. Find a safe place that offers shelter, water, food and sanitation.
  4. Become aware of how the event is affecting you (i.e., your feelings, thoughts, actions – and your physical and spiritual reactions).
  5. Know that your reactions are normal responses to an abnormal event. You are not “losing it” or “going crazy.”
  6. Speak with your physician or healthcare provider and make him/her aware of what has happened to you.
  7. Be aware of how you’re holding-up when there are children around you. Children will take their cues from the adults around them.
  8. Try to obtain information. Knowing the facts about what has happened will help you to keep functioning.
  9. If possible, surround yourself with family and loved ones. Realize that the event is likely affecting them, too.
  10. Tell your story. And, allow yourself to feel. It’s okay – not to be okay during a traumatic experience.
  11. You may experience a desire to withdraw and isolate, causing a strain on significant others. Resist the urge to shut down and retreat into your own world.
  12. Traumatic stress may compromise your ability to think clearly. If you find it difficult to concentrate when someone is speaking to you, focus on the specific words they are saying – work to actively listen. Slow down the conversation and try repeating what you have just heard.
  13. Don’t make important decisions when you_re feeling overwhelmed. Allow trusted family members or friends to assist you with necessary decision-making.
  14. If stress is causing you to react physically, use controlled breathing techniques to stabilize yourself. Take a slow deep breath by inhaling through your nose, hold your breath for 5 seconds and then exhale through your mouth. Upon exhalation, think the words “relax,” “let go,” or I’m handling this.” Repeat this process several times.
  15. Realize that repetitive thinking and sleep difficulties are normal reactions. Don’t fight the sleep difficulty. Try the following: Eliminate caffeine for 4 hours prior to your bedtime, create the best sleep environment you can, consider taking a few moments before turning out the lights to write down your thoughts – thus emptying your mind.
  16. Give yourself permission to rest, relax and engage in non-threatening activity. Read, listen to music, consider taking a warm bath, etc.
  17. Physical exercise may help to dissipate the stress energy that has been generated by your experience.
  18. Create a journal. Writing about your experience may help to expose yourself to painful thoughts and feelings and, ultimately, enable you to assimilate your experience.
  19. If you find that your experience is too powerful, allow yourself the advantage of professional and/or spiritual guidance, support and education.
  20. Try to maintain your schedule. Traumatic events will disrupt the sense of normalcy. We are all creatures of habit. By maintaining our routines, we can maintain a sense of control at a time when circumstances may lead us to feel a loss of control.
  21. Crises present opportunities. Cultivate a mission and purpose. Seize the energy from your experience and use it to propel you to set realistic goals, make decisions and take action.

• To learn more about Acute Traumatic Stress Management, visit www.ATSM.org
  Common Reactions Experienced in the Face of Traumatic Exposure
  Emotional Responses during a traumatic event may include shock, in which the individual may present a highly anxious, active response or perhaps a seemingly stunned, emotionally-numb response. He may describe feeling as though he is “in a fog.” He may exhibit denial, in which there is an inability to acknowledge the impact of the situation or perhaps, that the situation has occurred. He may evidence dissociation, in which he may seem dazed and apathetic, and he may express feelings of unreality. Other frequently observed acute emotional responses may include panic, fear, intense feelings of aloneness, hopelessness, helplessness, emptiness, uncertainty, horror, terror, anger, hostility, irritability, depression, grief and feelings of guilt.
  Cognitive Responses to traumatic exposure are often reflected in impaired concentration, confusion, disorientation, difficulty in making a decision, a short attention span, suggestibility, vulnerability, forgetfulness, self-blame, blaming others, lowered self-efficacy, thoughts of losing control, hypervigilance, and perseverative thoughts of the traumatic event. For example, upon extrication of a survivor from an automobile accident, he may cognitively still “be in” the automobile “playing the tape” of the accident over and over in his mind.
  Behavioral Responses in the face of a traumatic event may include withdrawal, “spacing-out,” non-communication, changes in speech patterns, regressive behaviors, erratic movements, impulsivity, a reluctance to abandon property, seemingly aimless walking, pacing, an inability to sit still, an exaggerated startle response and antisocial behaviors.
  Physiological Responses may include rapid heart beat, elevated blood pressure, difficulty breathing*, shock symptoms*, chest pains*, cardiac palpitations*, muscle tension and pains, fatigue, fainting, flushed face, pale appearance, chills, cold clammy skin, increased sweating, thirst, dizziness, vertigo, hyperventilation, headaches, grinding of teeth, twitches and gastrointestinal upset.
  Dr. Mark Lerner is a Clinical Psychologist and Traumatic Stress Consultant who focuses on helping people during and in the aftermath of traumatic events. He is the President of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (www.aaets.org) and the originator of the Acute Traumatic Stress Management intervention model (www.atsm.org).
  *****
  Dr. Lerner wrote and produced the newly released audio book, Surviving and Thriving: Living Through a Traumatic Experience (www.DrMarkLerner.com). He is the Editor and Publisher of Trauma Response, the Academy’s official publication, and the author of five books. Dr. Lerner consults regularly with individuals and organizations – where he specializes in the education, training and implementation of Acute Traumatic Stress Management and the development of organizational crisis management teams.
  Dr. Lerner has conducted numerous interviews, including CNN Headline News, the Los Angeles Times, the Palm Beach Post, Newsweek, Self Magazine, Stars & Stripes, Reuters, the Associated Press and U.S. News & World Report. Most recently, he appeared on Your Morning on CN8, CNN and Dateline NBC. Dr. Lerner lives in New York with his wife and three children.
  www.DrMarkLerner.com
  Trauma Response® E-News is published by
  The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress®
  Trauma Response® E-News is Edited by Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D.
  © 2005 The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, Inc
  368 Veterans Memorial Highway
  Commack, NY 11725

  http://www.aaets.org

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  Terrorism! What You need To Know…

  July 21, 2005  
  Filed under Safety Tips

  National Memorial Institute for the Prevention Of
  Terrorism
  The National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism located in Oklahoma City is dedicated to preventing terrorism or mitigating its effects. The following links will help educate you on protecting yourself and your family.

• What’s the latest on “terrorism”!
• Terrorism – “What you can do”!
• A “self help guide” on terrorism.
  

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  Red Light Running Does Kill & Injure!

  May 20, 2005  
  Filed under Safety Tips

  Help Stop “RED Light Running”! But be informed…click on the following web site:
  Stop Red Light Running
  FACT: In 2002, approximately 921 people were killed and 178,000 were injured in as many as 207,000 red light running crashes. Survivors of red light running crashes include people who are injured as well as the family and friends of people who are injured or killed in red light running crashes.
  Safety Tip:
  Who’s next? Careful at intersections - when you get a green light, don’t move – make sure those who got the RED light have stopped, then check again for those who floored it from one to two blocks away during the YELLOW light…by the time they reach the intersection it’s RED and you may be in their path! Once you’ve seen traffic has finally stopped, then proceed with caution.

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