VIDEOS: When - and when not call 911

It's a life-threatening situation and you need firefighters, paramedics or police fast. First responders say call 911 when there's

• Fire
  
• Serious injury or medical condition
  
• Crime in progress or a serious crime has just occurred
  
• An event happens that poses or indicates an immediate threat to people or property (such as screaming or gunshots)
  
• A suspicious package
  
• The following types of threats: bomb, radiological, biological and chemical

Then, answer as calmly and clearly as you can, these typical questions the emergency dispatcher may ask:

• What is the emergency?
  
• Who needs help?
  
• Where are you? This is especially important if you are calling from a cellphone.
  
• When did it happen?
  
• What is your name and phone number?
  
• Who is with you?

Don't hang up on the dispatcher until the dispatcher says it's OK to do so. (Source: Sacramento County)

You don't call 911 to complain about a messed-up sandwich order.

A reluctant boyfriend



Or if you're on the run from the law and need a cab

Sacramento County and News10/KXTV