When *NOT* to call 911

Never call 911 for any situation that’s clearly not an emergency.


That seems obvious, but 911 centers get callers who ask about the weather, current road conditions and even the number for the local pizza joint. Many frequently used public safety related numbers can be found on our homepage.

Other reasons not to call:

  • A loud party or barking dog
  • A power outage 
  • Burst water pipes 
  • To ask about paying a ticket
  • Someone has a minor cut

Remember that you can reach a police, fire, or medical dispatcher 24 hours a day at 541-575-0195 for all issues.

Many 911 centers operate with only a few dispatchers, so if you call for the wrong reasons, you could delay help for someone with a real emergency.


Remember, misuse of 9-1-1 is a class A misdemeanor, which is the most acute of all Oregon misdemeanors. Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in a county jail or a maximum fine up to sixty-two hundred fifty dollars. See ORS 165.570 https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/165.570

Show All Answers

1. When should I call 9-1-1?
2. When *NOT* to call 911
3. Can I text 9-1-1?