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1. What if I call 911 by mistake and hang up before the call is answered?

Normally, these calls will still ring into the 911 Center. If you hang up, the dispatcher will make an attempt to return your call and verify whether or not you have an emergency. The dispatcher will also dispatch an officer to your location to check your welfare.

2. What if I call 911 but am unable to speak, what will happen?

The dispatcher will remain on the line with you and dispatch an emergency response unit to your location to check your welfare. The dispatcher may ask you to push a button on your phone once for a yes answer and twice for a no answer and then systematically try to identify the nature of your emergency.

3. If my phone has been disconnected, can I still dial 911?

YES, even if your phone has been disconnected and has no dial tone, you should still be able to dial 911 in an emergency. You need to make sure the dispatchers has your name, correct location, and other pertinent information related to your call. Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.

4. Do I call 911 for all emergencies?

YES. The dispatcher is trained to handle your emergency call and to dispatch police, fire or EMS personnel.

5. Can I call 911 if I use a TDD or TTY machine?

YES. Our 911 equipment is compliant with all ADA requirements allowing us to receive your TDD/TTY call and communicate with you.

6. What if I have a non-emergency question, what number do I call?

Our non-emergency line in the 911 Center is 423-989-5600 and is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

7. When should I call 911?

You should call 911 anytime you have an immediate need for police, fire or EMS assistance. If you are not sure if a true emergency exists, it's best to call 911 and let the dispatcher help you.

8. When should I not call 911?

Don't call for minor incidents like parking problems, power outages, or barking dogs. The emergency number is not for information such as weather, time, school closings, legal advice, doctor referrals, etc. However if you're not sure, call 911 and let the dispatcher assist you.

9. Who do I call to get an address assigned?

Call the City of Bristol Tennessee Planning Dept at 423-989-5514.

10. How do my non-English speaking friends obtain emergency services?

We subscribe to a 24 hr translation service that can quickly identify the language and provide a translator. Tell your non-English speaking friends that they too call dial 911 in an emergency!