The following timely tips are brought to you courtesy of South Shore Security,
the Massachusetts leader for sound security solutions.

Just the Facts: Tips for reporting a security emergency
July 2003

Security emergencies can strike without warning at any time. There is no time to lose when property and even human lives may be at stake. It is imperative to know how to report the situation accurately when requesting help. The steps below will help to reduce the response time for emergency assistance and minimize any losses sustained during an emergency.

Be able to distinguish an emergency from a non-emergency. An emergency is defined as a crime in progress, a situation where property or lives are at risk, or a medical crisis.

Make sure you are out of harm’s way before calling to report the emergency. Determine the safest place to be before dialing for assistance.

Remain calm. Dial 9-1-1 and be prepared to answer a series of questions to assist the operator in getting help to you. Do not hang up until the operator tells you to. The same holds true if you are dialing an internal emergency assistance number.

On rare occasions, you might reach a recording when dialing 9-1-1; don’t hang up! Stay on the line for the next available operator.

Identify yourself and provide a call back number if possible, as 9-1-1 may not be able to trace your cell phone’s location. Describe your location in as much detail as possible, so you can be found.

Tell the operator what you see. What is the nature of the incident you are reporting? Is it a fire? A robbery? Are people injured? Is anyone providing medical assistance?

Provide an estimate of how many people are at the emergency scene. Emergency crews will need to know the types and number of resources to bring to the scene.

Give the operator a physical description of the perpetrator(s) if the emergency is crime-related. This should include: sex; height; weight; hair color; facial hair; tattoos or other distinguishing marks; race; age; complexion; clothing; vehicle make, model, color, license plate number; and traveling direction, if they have fled the scene.

In the event of an emergency, everyone at your location should be able to report the incident quickly and correctly. Every second counts! Train and prepare your staff in order to reduce injury and/or damage as the result of a security emergency.

Previous Tips