In an emergency, seconds count. There are things you can do to help 911 help you (PDF). Included are some examples of when to dial 9-1-1 and when not to dial 9-1-1. This is by no means a complete list, but is offered as a general guide.
Call 9-1-1 Only in an Emergency
Typically, 9-1-1 is for reporting life-threatening emergencies, potentially life-threatening emergencies, and/or crimes in progress (or having just occurred). For instances where emergency responders are not needed on the scene right away, please report the incident or request a response through the non-emergency number 770-445-2117.
Address Posting
Make sure your address is posted so that emergency responders can locate your home or business. Numbers should be posted near your drive at the street (if applicable) and, in some instances, also on the building (house or business).
Accidental Calls to 911
If you dial 911 by accident, do not hang up. Stay on the line and verify with the communications officer that you dialed by accident. If you hang up and we are unable to contact you back, law enforcement officers may be dispatched to your location to investigate. If the call was an accident, this ties up officers who might otherwise be needed to answer a true emergency.