NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release                                                             For more information contact

March 5 , 2010                                                                          Jeb Lacey: 485-3662                                                                                                  Police Chief Bruce Ure: 485-3714

Do Not Call 911 for Power Outage Calls

(Victoria, Texas) During the last few months there has been a noticeable increase in non-emergency calls to the 911 system.  The Victoria Police Department and the Office of Emergency Management remind citizens to dial 911 only for true emergencies.

Many of these non-emergency calls are related to recent power outages.  Power outages are inconvenient and uncomfortable but they are not emergencies that should be reported to 911.

According to local representatives from AEP Texas, the single most important step a citizen can take to get their power restored quickly is to call the electric company directly.  Electrical companies have response plans in place to restore power quickly, but the process cannot begin until they are notified.     

Dialing 911 for non-emergency calls does more than just tie up emergency lines.  It slows down dispatchers and first responders from their highest priority, responding to real emergencies.  Every day, lives depend on the quick and efficient response provided by our Police, Fire, and EMS professionals.  Help them save lives by dialing 911 only in a genuine emergency situation.

Considering that this spring is projected to bring a higher than average occurrence of severe weather and more unnecessary calls to 911, here are examples of when to call 911 and when NOT to call.

Examples (not all-inclusive) of when to call 911:

• Serious medical emergencies such as heart attacks or collapsed/unconscious persons
• Major accidents with injuries
• A crime is in progress
• Persons using violence or threatening violence toward others
• Structures on fire, or uncontrolled fires of any kind

Examples of when NOT to dial 911:

• When seeking driving directions or locations of businesses
• When the power to a home or business is lost or a water-pipe bursts
• When in need of the time-of-day, weather information, or phone numbers
• To inquire about emergency responses taking place in your neighborhood or near your business
• Do not dial 911 to report a power outage in your home!

For non-emergency calls still requiring Police, Fire, or EMS assistance, citizens may dial 573-3221 or contact the specific agency at:

• Victoria Police Department:  485-3700
• Victoria Fire Department:  485-3450
• Victoria County Sheriff’s Office:  575-0651
• Victoria County Fire Marshal’s Office:  597-9103
• AEP Texas:  866-223-8508 (to report outages) or contact your local provider at the number printed on your bill.

For more information, please contact Jeb Lacey, CEM at 361-485-3362 or Police Chief Bruce Ure at 485-3714.

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