The East Lansing Police Department offers the following safety tips when placing a 911 call.
Stay on the line, even when it rings for a long time.
Once on the line, don't hang up until instructed to do so by the dispatcher. You may be put on hold while the dispatcher is handling other emergencies. Don't hang up!
Always know your location and address, if possible - or at least the city you're calling from and your cross streets. If you're calling from a cell phone, the dispatcher can not pinpoint your exact location or address.
Stay calm. It takes longer to process a call for help when the caller is hysterical.
Be prepared to answer all the dispatchers questions, even if they don't seem important to you.
If you have only a cell phone at home (no land line), make sure all family members (and babysitters) know your address. It is advised to put a sticker on the phone with the address and phone number.
Train with your kids to call 911 without actually calling 911.
If you have any questions regarding a 911 call placed in East Lansing through the Ingham County Consolidated 911 Dispatch, please contact Heidi Williams via phone at (517) 319-6836 or via email.