9-1-1 is the number to dial for the fastest possible emergency response when you need emergency POLICE, FIRE OR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.

9-1-1 is the number to call when a crime is in progress or has just occurred.

9-1-1 is also used to report a fire, traffic accident, heart attack or other serious injury or any situation requiring the immediate response of a FIRE TRUCK, AMBULANCE OR POLICE CAR.

DO NOT
HANG UP!

Even while you are talking, an officer is already on the way.  It is very important for the 9-1-1 operator to get all the necessary information about the emergency and the suspects.  Try to remain calm and answer all of the questions.

How 9-1-1 Works

Be prepared to give the 9-1-1 operator the following information:

1.   Identify yourself, your location, and phone number from
      which you are calling.  If you are injured or unable to speak into
      the phone, the 9-1-1 system automatically displays the phone number
      and address of the calling location, but the operator will need you to
      verify this information if you are physically able.

2.   Type of crime.  Was it a burglary, robbery, assault, or
      shooting?  If you are not sure of the type of crime or if there are
      multiple incidents, explain in detail to the 9-1-1 operator exactly what
      happened.

3.   When and where did the crime occur?  Is the crime in
      progress?  How long ago did it occur?  Give the exact location of
      where the incident occurred.  Then, where you want to meet the deputy
      if it is different from where you are calling.

4.   Suspect information.  Give the operator as much information about
      the suspect and vehicle as you can.  Clothing, physical characteristics,
      license number, vehicle color, and direction of travel are very important.

5.   WEAPONS INVOLVED.  Were WEAPONS used in the crime?  Who
      had the weapons, how many and what kind of weapons, and where are
      the weapons now?  Were suspects or victims injured?

Property Crime Prevention

• Lock all doors and windows while home or away. Use good quality deadbolt locks on all exterior doors and easy to install auxiliary locks on windows.
• Trim shrubbery below window level and clear of entrances. Do not give burglars a place to hide.
• Lights at night are essential to your personal safety as well as that of your property.
• Do not leave items of value in unattended vehicles. Vehicles are safest stored in a garage. If that isn't possible, park in a well-lighted area and use an alarm.
• Keep fence gates closed and locked.
• Record the make, model and serial number of all home electronics and appliances.
• Take color photographs of jewelry, antiques and collectibles. A home video is a good record of your valuables too.
• Know who is coming into your home. Control the access by persons not well known to you.
• Suspicious persons or activities at your neighbors house? Report it to the OCSO non-emergency number, 407-836-4357, immediately. You could be witnessing a crime in progress.
• While out of town, make your house look occupied. Put lights and radios on timers. Stop mail and newspaper delivery. Have your lawn mowed. Leave a key and alarm codes with a trusted friend or neighbor who can make checks of your home.