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911 for Older Adults and Their Families

A few minutes of getting ready makes a 911 call go faster. Do these things now, with a family member or caregiver if you can.
Español: el 911 para adultos mayores

Keep an info sheet by the fridge

Responders look for it. Many people call it a File of Life. Write in pencil or print it, and update it when something changes. Put a copy by the phone and one in your purse or wallet.

Info sheet
  • Name and birth date
  • Home address
  • Medicines and doses
  • Health conditions and allergies
  • Doctor and pharmacy
  • Emergency contacts

What the dispatcher will ask

Stay calm and answer one question at a time. Help is on the way while you talk.

  1. Step 1: Where are you?

    Say the address first, even if you think they know.

  2. Step 2: What is wrong?

    Say what happened, or what you see.

  3. Step 3: Who needs help?

    Say if the person is awake and breathing, and their age.

  4. Step 4: What is your number?

    So they can call back if the line drops.

Do not hang up until the dispatcher says to. If you dial 911 by mistake, stay on the line and say so. If you hang up, they may have to call back or send someone to check.

Landline, cell phone, or alert button

  • Landline

    A landline sends your home address to the dispatcher. Still say it out loud.

  • Cell phone

    A cell phone gives only an approximate location, so always say your address. If talking is hard, you can text 911.

  • Medical alert button

    The button reaches a monitoring company, which talks to you and calls 911 if needed. Test it the way the company tells you to.

If you fall

Stay where you are if you may be hurt. Press your alert button, or call 911 and say you have fallen. If you cannot reach a phone, make noise and keep trying to be heard. Call 911 for a fall that causes pain, bleeding, or confusion.

Make it easy for responders

  • Post your 911 address

    Big numbers, visible from the road, day and night. A rural address helps responders find you fast.

  • Light and door

    At night, turn on the porch light. If you can, unlock the door and put pets in another room.

  • Know your address

    Keep it near every phone, in case you are scared or confused.

SPAG GIS assigns 911 addresses outside city limits. Inside a city or town, City Hall assigns them.

Need an address or not sure who assigns yours?Request an addressWho assigns addresses

Caregivers help the most before the call.

  • Make the info sheet together, and check it every few months.
  • Check that the house number can be read from the road.
  • Test the alert button, and keep phones charged.
  • If you live far away, find the local non-emergency number for their county.
911 centers by countyMore on calling 911