FAQs

Will I ever get a busy signal if I call 911?
No. Our 911 system is set up so that there will always be someone ready to answer your call, even during a large-scale emergency when many people are calling to report the same incident. If you call 911 and hear what appears to be a busy tone, hang up, wait for a dial tone and try the call again. If the tone persists this may be an indication that there is a problem with your phone service. Try calling from a cellular phone, seek a neighbour’s assistance, or have someone who can drive seek emergency help directly.

Will the 911 call taker dispatch the emergency responders for me?
No. The 911 call taker will confirm the nature and location of your emergency and will then link you with the proper emergency agency -- police, fire, ambulance or poison control -- that will dispatch the necessary response.

How do I know if I should call 911?
911 is for emergencies only. Call if you need police, fire, ambulance or poison control services right away because of a threat to someone’s health, safety, or property. Do not call 911 for things like police administrative matters, asking the fire department about community events or routine patient/medical transfers. If you are in doubt, call 911.

What if I can’t speak?
Stay on the line. If you call from a conventional landline, emergency help can still be sent because your address appears on the 911 call taker’s screen. Our 911 system is also set up to handle TTY/TDD services.

Will I ever have to pay to call 911?
No. Calls to 911 are always free, even from cell phones and pay phones.

What if I’m driving and have to call 911?
First, pull over. Take notice of your surroundings and tell the call taker as much detail as possible so emergency responders can find you. There are distance markers on most of Nova Scotia’s 100-series highways telling you the direction you’re traveling and your location on the highway. When calling 911, take note of these markers or nearby road signs, exits or civic numbers.

How do I inquire about employment opportunities as a 911 call taker?
While the province maintains and administers the 911 system, we are not the employer. Each of the four 911 centres in the province screens, hires and compensates independently. As such, employment inquiries should be directed to the specific 911 centre. Once a candidate has been identified as meeting the competencies and is hired by one of these centres, the individual receives 911 training through the Emergency Management Office.

Do you need more information about Nova Scotia’s 911 Emergency Service?
Contact us.