If You See Any Of These Things Call 911 Immediately

1. If you spot a suspicious package or object

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If you encounter a suspicious package or object in a public place, calling 911 is essential to report the potential threat and initiate a response from bomb squads or hazardous materials teams. Do not touch or attempt to move the package, and evacuate the area if instructed to do so by emergency responders.

2. If a person is suddenly confused and has trouble speaking

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Sudden onset confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech can be indicative of a stroke, a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention to minimize brain damage and prevent long-term disability. If you encounter someone experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance.

3. You spot a downed power line

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Electrical hazards, including downed power lines, exposed wiring, or electrical fires, pose significant risks of electrocution and fire and require immediate attention to prevent injury or property damage. If you encounter an electrical hazard, call 911 immediately to report the incident.

4. Someone is making threats to harm themselves - and others

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If you encounter someone threatening to harm themselves or others, it's essential to take the threat seriously and call 911 immediately. Threats of violence can escalate quickly, and trained professionals can intervene to de-escalate the situation, ensure everyone's safety, and connect the individual with mental health services or crisis intervention resources.

5. You think you're watching a crime in progress

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If you witness a crime in progress, such as a robbery or assault, it's imperative to call 911 immediately. Providing timely information to law enforcement can help them apprehend the suspect and prevent further harm to potential victims.

6. There's been a fire or - worse - an explosion

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In the event of a fire or explosion, calling 911 is crucial for prompt response from firefighters and emergency medical services. Fires can spread rapidly and pose a significant risk to life and property. It's essential to evacuate the area safely and provide accurate information.

7. Any sort of medical emergency, including injuries

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Medical emergencies, including heart attacks, strokes, and severe injuries, require immediate attention from medical professionals. Calling 911 allows trained paramedics to provide life-saving treatment on-site and transport the individual to the nearest hospital for further care.

8. If you suspect domestic violence or abuse

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If you witness or experience domestic violence or abuse, calling 911 can be a lifeline for those in danger. Law enforcement officers can intervene to protect victims, remove them from harm's way, and connect them with support services such as shelters and counseling.

9. You think a child could be being abused

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Reporting suspected or witnessed child abuse to 911 is critical for the safety and well-being of the child. Law enforcement and child protective services can investigate the situation, remove the child from harm, and provide necessary support and intervention.

10. You suspect someone is abusing an elder

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Similar to child abuse, suspected or witnessed elder abuse should be reported to 911 to ensure the safety of older adults. Law enforcement and adult protective services can intervene to protect the elderly person from further harm, investigate the situation, and provide support and resources as needed.

11. You've witnessed a car accident, even if you weren't involved

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In the event of a car accident with injuries, calling 911 is crucial to summon emergency medical services and law enforcement to the scene. Paramedics can assess the extent of injuries and provide immediate medical care, while police officers can secure the area.

12. Someone has made suicidal threats or attempts

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If you encounter someone making suicidal threats or attempting self-harm, it's vital to call 911 immediately. Trained professionals can provide crisis intervention, assess the individual's mental health needs, and connect them with appropriate resources for support and treatment.

13. Spot the signs of drug or alcohol overdose

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Witnessing an overdose on drugs or alcohol requires immediate action to save lives. Calling 911 allows emergency medical services to administer life-saving interventions such as naloxone for opioid overdoses or providing supportive care for alcohol poisoning.

14. Violent behavior, or threats of violence

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Instances of violent behavior or threats of violence require immediate intervention from law enforcement to protect potential victims and prevent further harm. Calling 911 allows police officers to respond quickly, assess the situation, and take appropriate action to ensure public safety.

15. You think you've just seen someone be kidnapped

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Witnessing a kidnapping or abduction is a terrifying experience, but calling 911 immediately can help law enforcement respond quickly to locate and rescue the victim. Provide detailed information about the incident, including descriptions of the victim, abductor, and any vehicles involved, to aid in the search efforts.

16. There's someone trapped in a dangerous situation, like under a car

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If you encounter someone trapped or stuck in a dangerous situation, such as a car crash or structural collapse, calling 911 is essential to summon emergency responders trained in extrication and rescue techniques. Do not attempt to rescue the individual yourself, as you could inadvertently cause further harm.

17. Someone has sudden difficulty breathing

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If someone is experiencing difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or other symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately. Administering epinephrine if available and staying with the person until help arrives can help prevent complications and ensure they receive prompt medical treatment.

18. Someone is unconscious and unresponsive

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Encountering someone who is unconscious or unresponsive requires immediate medical attention. Calling 911 allows trained professionals to assess the individual's condition, provide life-saving interventions such as CPR if necessary, and transport them to the nearest medical facility for further evaluation and treatment.

19. There's been an incident of drowning, or even near-drowning

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If you witness a drowning or near-drowning incident, calling 911 immediately can help save lives. Prompt intervention from emergency medical services and trained lifeguards can increase the chances of successful resuscitation and minimize the risk of complications.

20. Gas leaks or chemical spills

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Gas leaks or chemical spills pose significant health and safety risks to individuals in the vicinity. If you detect the smell of gas or notice a chemical spill, evacuate the area immediately and call 911 to report the incident. Emergency responders, including firefighters and hazardous materials teams, can assess the situation, contain the leak or spill, and mitigate potential hazards.

21. Someone is having a potentially-fatal allergic reaction

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Severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. If someone is experiencing difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or other symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately. Administering epinephrine if available and staying with the person until help arrives can help prevent complications.

22. Severe burns

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Severe burns require prompt medical attention to prevent complications and minimize long-term damage. If someone sustains severe burns, call 911 immediately and take steps to cool the burn area with lukewarm water while waiting for help to arrive.

23. Someone has ingested toxic substances

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In cases of poisoning, time is of the essence, and calling 911 immediately can be life-saving. Whether it's accidental ingestion of household chemicals or intentional ingestion of harmful substances, prompt medical intervention is crucial to prevent further absorption of toxins and minimize damage to internal organs.

24. Any situation that involves a firearm

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The presence of a firearm in any situation can escalate the level of danger and requires immediate attention from law enforcement. If you encounter someone brandishing a firearm, hear gunshots, or witness any other firearm-related incident, call 911 immediately and provide as much detail as possible about the situation.

25. Anything related to severe weather, like floods

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Severe weather events such as tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, or severe storms can pose significant threats to life and property. If you find yourself in the path of a severe weather event or witness weather-related damage or injuries, call 911 to report the situation and request assistance.

26. You've been exposed to hazardous materials

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Exposure to hazardous materials, whether through inhalation, ingestion, or contact with the skin, can result in serious health consequences and requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect or experience exposure to hazardous materials, evacuate the area immediately and call 911 to report the incident.

27. Anyone being dangerously violent and out of control

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Instances of violent or out-of-control behavior pose risks to the safety of individuals in the vicinity and require intervention from law enforcement. If you encounter someone exhibiting violent behavior, causing harm to themselves or others, or threatening violence, call 911 immediately to request assistance.

28. Threats or acts of terrorism

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Suspected threats or acts of terrorism, including bombings, active shooter incidents, or other acts of violence intended to cause fear or harm to the public, require immediate intervention from law enforcement and other emergency responders. If you witness suspicious behavior, hear threats, or observe any other indicators, call 911 immediately.

29. You've noticed someone acting suspiciously at a public event

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Suspicious behavior observed at public events or gatherings, such as concerts, festivals, or sporting events, should be reported to 911 to ensure the safety and security of attendees. If you notice individuals acting erratically, carrying suspicious packages, or engaging in behavior that raises concerns about potential threats, do not hesitate to call.

30. You've seen or heard a person screaming for help

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If you hear someone screaming for help or indicating that they are in distress, it's crucial to take immediate action by calling 911. Screams for help may signal an emergency situation such as an assault, medical crisis, or accident requiring urgent intervention.

31. Any case of animal attack or bite

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Animal attacks or bites, whether by domestic pets or wildlife, can result in serious injuries and require medical attention. If you or someone else is bitten or attacked by an animal, call 911 to report the incident and seek immediate medical assistance.

32. Someone is having a seizure for the first time

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Witnessing someone experiencing a seizure for the first time can be frightening, but calling 911 is essential to ensure they receive prompt medical attention. Seizures can have various causes, including epilepsy, head injuries, or underlying medical conditions, and require evaluation by medical professionals.

33. Someone is having fainting spells and losing consciousness

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Loss of consciousness or fainting spells can be indicative of underlying medical conditions or emergencies such as heart problems, strokes, or seizures. If you encounter someone who has lost consciousness or fainted, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance.

34. Time-critical emergencies, like bleeding

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Medical emergencies where time is critical, such as severe bleeding, require immediate intervention to prevent life-threatening complications. If you encounter someone experiencing severe bleeding or other medical emergencies, call 911 immediately to request assistance.

35. Someone is choking

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Choking is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to clear the airway and restore breathing. If you encounter someone who is choking and unable to breathe, call 911 immediately to request assistance. While waiting for help to arrive, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) to dislodge the obstruction.

36. You can see or smell smoke without knowing the source

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The presence of smoke without a known source can indicate a potential fire or other hazardous situation requiring immediate attention. If you see or smell smoke in a building or outdoor area, call 911 immediately to report the incident and initiate a response from firefighters.

37. You've spotted someone using or carrying a weapon unlawfully

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If you witness someone carrying or using a weapon unlawfully, such as brandishing a firearm in a threatening manner or wielding a knife in a public setting, it's essential to call 911 immediately to report the incident. Weapons-related situations can escalate quickly.

38. Someone has collapsed without explanation

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Witnessing someone suddenly collapse without explanation can be indicative of a medical emergency such as a heart attack, stroke, or cardiac arrest. If you encounter someone who has collapsed, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance.

39. Someone is threatening to jump from a great height

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Encountering someone who is threatening to jump from a height, such as a building, bridge, or cliff, requires immediate intervention to prevent self-harm or suicide. If you witness such a situation, call 911 immediately to request assistance from trained professionals, including law enforcement and crisis negotiators.

40. You've heard suspicious sounds like gunfire

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Hearing explosions or suspicious sounds resembling gunfire can indicate potential threats to public safety, such as bombings, active shooter incidents, or other violent acts. If you hear such sounds, call 911 immediately to report the incident and provide information about your location and any observations about the source of the sounds.

41. Any injuries involving machinery or equipment

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Accidental injuries involving machinery or equipment can result in serious trauma and require immediate medical attention. If you encounter someone who has been injured in an accident involving machinery or equipment, call 911 immediately to request assistance.

42. You've seen a hit and run

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Witnessing a hit-and-run accident, where a driver leaves the scene of a collision without stopping to render aid or exchange information, requires immediate intervention to ensure the safety of any injured parties and hold the responsible driver accountable.

43. Sudden chest pain and intense pressure

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Intense chest pain or pressure can be indicative of a heart attack or other serious medical condition requiring immediate medical attention. If you or someone else experiences sudden onset chest pain or pressure, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance.

44. Any injury to the neck, back or head (don't ignore it!)

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Severe injuries to the head, neck, or back can have serious consequences and require immediate medical attention to prevent further damage. If you encounter someone who has sustained severe injuries to these areas, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance.

45. Someone is trapped in a confined space

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Any situation where someone is trapped in a confined space, such as a collapsed building, underground tunnel, or vehicle wreckage, requires immediate intervention to ensure the safety of the trapped individual and facilitate their rescue. If you encounter such a situation, call 911 immediately to request assistance from trained rescue personnel.

46. Any situation where you feel there is a serious threat

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Trust your instincts and err on the side of caution in any situation where you feel there is an immediate threat to life or property. Whether it's witnessing suspicious behavior, encountering a medical emergency, or experiencing a natural disaster, if you believe there is an urgent need for intervention, call 911 immediately to request assistance.

47. Any dangerous situation where you don't know what to do

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If you find yourself in any emergency situation where you are unsure what to do and need immediate assistance, do not hesitate to call 911 for help. Whether it's a medical emergency, a safety concern, or a situation requiring intervention from law enforcement or other emergency services, trained dispatchers are available 24/7.

48. Someone is trapped in a submerged vehicle

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If you encounter a person trapped in a submerged vehicle, such as a car submerged in water, it's crucial to call 911 immediately to report the incident and request assistance from emergency responders, including water rescue teams. Submerged vehicle incidents pose significant risks to the trapped individual's safety and require specialized intervention to extricate them safely.

49. Seeing a large-scale power outage

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If you observe a large-scale power outage or utility failure affecting multiple homes or businesses in your area, it's essential to call 911 immediately to report the incident and seek assistance from utility companies and emergency responders. Power outages and utility failures can disrupt essential services and pose safety hazards.

50. Being near a person having a severe mental health crisis

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If you witness a person experiencing a severe mental health crisis and posing an immediate danger to themselves or others, such as making threats of self-harm or violence, it's crucial to call 911 immediately to request assistance from law enforcement and mental health professionals.