9-1-1 Info

When to Call 9-1-1


9-1-1 is the telephone number for "life and death" EMERGENCIES. In Delta County you can use 9-1-1 as the RESPONSE number for the police, sheriff, fire, rescue or emergency medical services. You may call this number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Dial 9-1-1 anytime you need a police officer, deputy sheriff, fire truck, rescue squad or ambulance to come to your home, business, or location.  Some examples of when to call 9-1-1 include:

  • When someone is hurt
  • When you see fire or smoke
  • When someone's life or property is in danger
  • When a crime is being committed
  • When an ambulance is needed

When you dial 9-1-1

Your 9-1-1 call is AUTOMATICALLY routed through 9-1-1 system to the Communications Center at the Delta County Sheriff Department. Our dispatch center has an enhanced 9-1-1 system, which means that when you call 9-1-1 the caller's name (from where the call was placed), phone number, address, and other important information is displayed.

Anyone can call 9-1-1

  • Children should be taught to call 9-1-1 for police, fire or medical help.
  • The sight impaired can use the digits 9-1-1 on the telephone, or use a pre-programmed speed dial button.
  • The hearing impaired can use a TDD machine.

How to Call 9-1-1:

  • To call from home or simple business phone, simply pick up the receiver and press the numbers 9-1-1.
  • To call from a business phone system (Centrex or PBX), obtain an outside line (usually beginning with "9"), then press the numbers 9-1-1.
  • To call from a pay phone, no money is needed: simply press the numbers 9-1-1.
  • To call from a cellular phone or mobile phone, press the numbers 9-1-1. Remember when calling from a cellular phone, location information may not always will be displayed for the 9-1-1 operator.
  • Always call or text 9-1-1!  Never search online for a non-emergency phone number! 
    • If you, a family member or friend are experiencing an emergency, don't delay - call 9-1-1.   Never search online for a phone number for the fire department, law enforcement or ambulance. Fire and ambulance stations are not always staffed and you should never call them direct - ALWAYS call Delta County dispatch first and they will send the nearest available unit to your location. 
    • In non-emergency situations, contact Delta County Dispatch at 970.874.2015. Dispatchers are on-duty 24/7/365 and here to assist you.   They dispatch for all fire, law enforcement and EMS agencies in Delta County.

Tell the Dispatcher:

  • The location
  • Telephone number you are calling from
  • The type or emergency
  • Other necessary information
  • Your name

DO NOT HANG UP!

The Dispatcher may need to ask you additional questions regarding the incident. It is important that you remain on the line with the Dispatcher and answer the questions as best you can. The more information you can give, the better the RESPONDERS will be able to assist you when they arrive on the scene.

Texting 9-1-1

The Delta County Sheriff’s 911 Dispatch is equipped to receive and respond to text messages sent to 911. This service is available for use by the deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech impaired and in situations where it is too dangerous to make a voice call to 911. All phones or devices must include a text or data plan to send a text to 911.

Remember:

  • 9-1-1 is an EMERGENCY number. Please do not call or text this line to ask questions or as a prank or joke.
  • Make sure your house number is visible from the street.