Henderson County E911 Communications

Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN SHOULD I DIAL 911?
While there is no definitive list of reasons to call 911, it’s important to remember that dialing 911 is for emergencies only! Here are some examples of when to call 911.
-To stop a crime in progress
-To report a fire of any kind
-To report an injury or serious medical problem
-To report a traffic accident
-To report any situation where a prompt response is required to protect life or property

WHEN SHOULD I USE THE NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER?
828-697-4911 is a ten digit non-emergency number which you can dial 24 hours a day for non-emergency help. Using the non-emergency number keeps 911 available for true emergencies.
Here are some examples of when you should call the non-emergency number.
-A crime that did not occur recently
-A non-emergent request to meet with an officer
-Extra security requests

ARE THERE TIMES WHEN I SHOULDN’T CALL 911 OR THE NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER?
Yes! You should not call E911 Communications to report any of the following:
-Power Outages
-Telephone Problems
-Questions about road conditions/weather
-Ambulance billing questions
-To ask for other agency/department phone numbers
-Keys locked in a vehicle (unless a child is locked inside)

WHAT IF I CALL 911 BY MISTAKE?
Do not disconnect before speaking with the call taker! Just stay on the line, so you can let the call taker know that everything is ok. If you do not stay on the line, an officer will be dispatched to your location.

IF I DIAL 911 FROM MY CELLULAR PHONE, WILL THE TELECOMMUNICATOR KNOW WHERE I’M CALLING FROM?
Yes. Under most circumstances your location can be pinpointed on our mapping system to within a few feet of your actual location when you call from a cellular phone. In addition, the system can typically track a moving caller. **Be aware that some older cellular phones are not phase II compatible-this means we can not find your location**

WHY DO THE TELECOMMUNICATORS ASK SO MANY QUESTIONS WHEN I JUST WANT THEM TO HURRY AND SEND SOMEONE?
Please remember that Telecommunicators are highly trained public safety professionals that have attended numerous hours of training to help them process calls quickly and accurately. The questions they ask guide them in determining the best way to handle your emergency.
A common misconception is that help is not sent until the caller is disconnected. However, this is not the case. The emergency is dispatched as soon as the initial call information is received. Remember, Telecommunicators work as a team. While one is obtaining your information, another is often sending the appropriate help.

CAN E911 COMMUNICATIONS ASSIST CALLERS THAT DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH?
YES! The 911 Center utilizes Language Line Services to translate 911 calls from non-English speaking customers. This service translates approximately 173 languages from all over the world!

Henderson County Sheriff's Office
201 North Main Street | Hendersonville, North Carolina 28792

Phone: 828-697-4596
EMERGENCY: 911
Administration Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm