FAQ’s

9-1-1 is the number the public can call when they need emergency assistance from New Orleans Police, Fire or Emergency Medical Services. All 9-1-1 calls are toll free and can be reached through residential, wireless and pay telephones through New Orleans.

Orleans Parish Communication District (OPCD) is the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for all emergency communications via 9-1-1 and non-emergency city services via 3-1-1 within Orleans Parish.

Only call 9-1-1 during an emergency. An emergency is any threat to life and/or property or a crime in progress, such as a heart attack, fire, or a fight in which someone could be seriously hurt.

Please do not call 9-1-1 for non-emergency situations. A non-emergency situation could be a burglary that occurred while you were away, a barking dog or a fire that has already been extinguished. For non-emergency situations, please call our 10-digit non-emergency number, 504-821-2222

Location, location, location. The first thing our emergency communications specialists will ask when you call 9-1-1 is, “What is the location of your emergency?” Give them that location, first and foremost. Even if your call is disconnected for any reason, our specialists will know where to send first responders so you can receive the assistance you need.

Answer all questions asked by your emergency communications specialist.

Emergency Communications Specialists dispatch first responders to your location after you have answered the first few questions about the emergency situation you are experiencing. All questions asked and answered after that are necessary for providing first responders with the information they need to assist you once they arrive at the scene.