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1. What is the non-emergency phone number?

231-723-6241

2. Who do I call if I have a lost/missing or found animal?

You can call our non-emergent number, 231-723-6241, or you can call Homeward Bound Animal Shelter 231-723-7387.

3. What is smart911?

Smart911 is a free service that allows citizens across the U.S. to create a safety profile for their household that includes any information they want 911 to have in the event of an emergency. Then, when anyone in that household dials 911 from a phone associated with their safety profile, their profile is immediately displayed to the 911 call taker providing additional information that can be used to facilitate the proper response to the proper location. At a time when seconds count, Smart911 is able to provide 911 with all the details that could impact response and be the difference between life and death.

4. What is Code Red?

CodeRED is an emergency notification service that allows emergency officials to notify residents and businesses by telephone, cell phone, text message, email and social media regarding time-sensitive general and emergency notifications. Only authorized officials have access to the CodeRED system.

5. What if I call 911 by accident?

If you call 911 by accident, please stay on the phone and let the dispatcher know that the call was made by accident. If you disconnect prior to speaking with a dispatcher, the dispatcher may call you back to verify that you do not have an emergency. If they are unable to reach you upon call back, they may send an officer to your business or residence to confirm there is no emergency.

6. How do I prevent accidental 911 calls?

The most common accidental calls are from cellular phones and they are due to being in a pocket, bag, purse, or similar. Most phones have a safety feature built in to call 911 if buttons are held long enough.

The other major issue with cellular phones are when they are given to children. Even though the phone might not have service, it’s a safety feature to have the phone always able to call 911. We call these “911 only phones” because the only number it will allow to be called is 911.

We ask for people to keep phones either protected with a cover or not left loose in bags and also batteries are removed when given to kids. Both of these things will help eliminate accidental 911 calls.

7. What do I do if I see a dog left inside a vehicle?

If you observe a dog left in a vehicle, you can call the non-emergency number 231-723-6241 or 911.

8. How to report a narcotics issue?

To report a narcotic’s issue, you can call the non-emergency number 231-723-6241 or 911. The information will be gathered and dispatched to the appropriate agency.

9. Why do dispatchers ask so many questions?

Emergency dispatchers need to get accurate information to allow emergency responders to make the best decision on how to approach the situation. Callers will typically be asked:

• Where
• What
• Your phone number
• Who
• When
• Why (sometimes)

One common misconception of Public Safety Communications is that Emergency Communications Officers wait until finishing the call before sending help. During a true emergency, the Emergency Communications Officers work as a team. One remains on the line with the caller and passes on information to another Emergency Communications Officer, who dispatches Police Officers, Firefighters or other emergency personnel.

It is very important that you stay on the line during a call to 911. The Emergency Communications Officer will continue to ask you questions while responders are en route.

10. Do I call 911 even if it is not an emergency?

If it is not an emergency but you still would like to speak with an officer or file a complaint you are asked to call the non-emergency line 231-723-6241.