Medical emergencies

Call 9-1-1 for any serious injury, illness, or medical condition, including: 

• Severe chest pain or pressure
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Signs of a stroke, such as sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Heavy, uncontrolled bleeding
• Choking
• Head injuries with loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Severe allergic reactions
• Drug overdose or poisoning 

Crime

Call 9-1-1 to report crimes in progress or that have just occurred. Examples include: 

• A robbery or burglary
• An assault or fight
• Someone with a weapon threatening others
• Suspicious activity, such as a prowler near a home or business 

Fire and hazardous situations

• Any kind of fire, including a building, vehicle, or brush fire.
• The sound of a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm.
• A hazardous chemical spill.
• The smell of gas or a suspected gas leak.
• Fallen electrical wires. 

Motor vehicle accidents

• Any accident where someone is injured.
• Accidents that have just happened, especially if they are blocking traffic or creating a hazard.

For a lockout

Emergency services are reserved for situations where there is an immediate threat to life, health, or property such as:

• A child is locked in a vehicle: The temperature inside a car can rise to dangerous levels very quickly, putting a child at risk for heatstroke.
• A child is locked in a home alone and is in danger: This includes situations where the child is injured, sick, or there is an imminent fire hazard, like food cooking on a stove.
• Locked-out person has a critical medical need: If a person locked out of their home or vehicle needs immediate access to medication or is experiencing a medical emergency.

What is Text-to-9-1-1?

Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message to reach 9-1-1 emergency call takers from your mobile device.

How to send a text to 9-1-1?

1. Enter "911" into the "To" field of a new text message.
2. State your location and type of emergency. The most critical information is your address, city, and a brief description of the incident.
3. Use simple words. Do not use abbreviations, slang, emojis, or send any pictures or videos, as the system does not support them.
4. Send the message and follow instructions. Be prepared to answer questions and follow directions from the dispatcher

When Should I use text to 9-1-1?

You should use text-to-911 only when you cannot safely make a voice call.

Texting 9-1-1 is a vital tool for specific emergency situations: 

• Hearing or speech impairment: This service is specifically designed for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability.
• Medical emergencies: If a medical condition, such as a choking or breathing issue, prevents you from speaking.
• Dangerous situations: Use text-to-9-1-1 when making an audible voice call would put you in danger, such as during a:

• Home invasion
• Active mass shooting
• Domestic violence incident
• Kidnapping

Important considerations when using Text to 9-1-1?

• Texting is for emergencies only. Never misuse the service. If you text 9-1-1 by mistake, immediately send another text explaining there is no emergency.
• No group texts. A message sent to 9-1-1 cannot include any other recipients.
• English only. As of 2018, the system could only receive texts in English, though this may change with Next Generation 9-1-1 updates.
• Have a text plan. You must have a text or data plan on a mobile device to use the service.

For non-emergency police matters use the Stamford Police non-emergency dispatch line: (203) 977-4444. Situations include:

• Crimes that have already occurred and the suspect is gone, such as vandalism, break-ins to vehicles, vandalism, or theft of property unless there is a threat of violence.
• Non-injury motor vehicle accidents or minor property damage accidents that are not blocking traffic.
• General noise complaints, such as a neighbor's loud music and fireworks.
• Reporting suspicious activity when there is no immediate danger.
• Inquiring about tickets, warrants, or court dates.

• Lost and found items: Losing or finding property does not require an emergency response.
• For barking dogs, stray animals, or other animal-related issues, contact Animal Control 203-977-4437.
• Non-emergency public safety questions: This includes asking for directions or other issues not requiring an immediate police, fire, or medical response.
• Testing your phone: Never call 9-1-1 to see if your phone works. 

Call the non-emergency Fire Department line (203) 977-5555 for issues that do not pose an immediate danger. 

Situations that are NOT emergencies include:

• To test your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.

• Child passenger seat Installation:

Car Seat Installation Request Form - Stamford Fire Department

• Smoke or Carbon Monoxide installation assistance:

Smoke and/or Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation Appointment Request - Stamford Fire Department

• Animal rescues: The fire department generally does not respond to calls for pets stuck in trees or other non-life-threatening animal issues Contact Animal Control 203-977-4437.

• Reporting minor issues: Use the non-emergency number for questions about fire safety, regulations, or for minor, non-hazardous situations.

What if I am locked out of my vehicle or residence?

A simple lockout is not considered an emergency.  Police and Fire personnel will not respond to a standard lockout, use these resources instead:

• Your landlord or property manager: For an apartment lockout, contact your property manager or landlord. They will have access to a spare key.
• Roadside assistance: If your keys are locked in your vehicle, your car insurance or a roadside assistance plan like AAA can typically send someone to help. Emergency Communication Center will not recommend a Tow Company.
• A locksmith: A professional locksmith service is trained and equipped to open locked doors without causing damage. You can find local locksmiths by searching online. Emergency Communication Center will not recommend a locksmith.

For health and human services

• Call 2-1-1 (Infoline).
• Questions about social support, housing, food, and financial or utility assistance.
• Referrals to services for substance abuse, gambling, and domestic violence. 

For mental health crises

• Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.