The Co-op City Department of Public Safety urges all residents to make sure that all members of their household know when and how to call 9-1-1, 1-(718)671-3050 for Public Safety or the proper number for other situations. Young children have been known to have made life saving calls to 9-1-1. It is also important to keep important, non-emergency numbers accessible stored in or near your telephone. Calls to 9-1-1 for situations that are not emergencies can result in persons with life or death emergencies being delayed in receiving the help they need.

9-1-1 was established in 1968 as a Universal Emergency Number. In most areas of the United States and Canada 9-1-1 will put you contact with the Police, Fire or Ambulance help that you require. When traveling check local phone books to make certain 9-1-1 is the correct emergency number. In some areas of Canada the number could be 9-9-9. Also check if the telephone you are calling from requires a prefix before dialing, for example dialing the number 9 for an outside line from a hotel or office telephone. It may sound like a joke, but make sure you know the number to 9-1-1 for any location you may travel to.

Calling 9-1-1 can be stressful and may seem overwhelming at first but knowing what to expect can make the call go smoothly. Staying calm is most important. Know the location of the emergency and the number you are calling from. Provide the dispatcher with any pertinent information including descriptions or direction of flight of any criminals. For medical emergencies be prepared with information regarding medications taken. Never hang up until directed to do so by the dispatcher. The dispatcher may pause to get the information out to the responding units. Also be prepared to take directions from the dispatcher; they may be able to provide you with life saving tips to use until help arrives. Visit the website www.firstaid.about.com for useful information about when and how to call 9-1-1.

Very young children can be taught when and how to call 9-1-1. A recent event in the news shows that very young children are highly capable of making a life saving call to 9-1-1. There are recorded instances of children as young as 2 years old effectively calling 9-1-1 and receiving life saving help. It is essential that children are aware of what type of emergency requires calling 9-1-1. Calling 9-1-1 because you cannot find your favorite toy is not appropriate. Visit the website www.kidshealth.org for activities for children to familiarize them with when and how to call 9-1-1.

When in Co-op City also call The Department of Public Safety at (718)671-3050 in addition to 9-1-1 for all emergencies. In Co-op City call (718)320-3300 for the main Riverbay switchboard during regular business hours; every Riverbay Department can be accessed by this number. In New York City call 3-1-1 for any non-emergency issues; all New York City agencies can be accessed from this number. From telephones outside the City of New York 3-1-1 service can be accessed by dialing (212)639-9675. It is important to save the use of emergency numbers for true emergencies. 3-1-1 and the www.nyc.gov website are available for matters that are important but not emergencies.