If this is an emergency, please call 9-1-1

9‑1‑1 Emergency Communicators handle hundreds of calls each day. Their role is to quickly determine what you need and send the right help.

Most people call 9‑1‑1 only once or twice in their life. When you call:

  • Listen to the communicator and let them ask the questions. They are trained to get the information needed as fast as possible.
  • Have key details ready to help them send the appropriate resources.
  • Try to stay calm. Listen carefully and answer each question.
  • Help is already on the way, even while the communicator continues to ask questions or provide instructions.
  • You are speaking with a trained professional who will guide you through the emergency.

For non-emergency calls or for law enforcement-related questions, please call 705-675-9171

Dial 3-1-1 for City of Greater Sudbury services

Dial 2-1-1 for provincial, community-based and non-clinical social resources

If you are in crisis and need to speak to a mental health professional, please call 705-675-4760 or toll free at 1-877-1101 or visit the Canadian Mental Health Association

What to expect when you call 9-1-1

Only call 9‑1‑1 for a police, fire, or medical emergency.

When you call, a 9‑1‑1 Emergency Communicator will ask whether you need Police, Fire, or Ambulance.

If you request Ambulance, your call will be transferred to an Ambulance Communications Operator, who is trained to handle medical emergencies.

Call 9-1-1 for emergencies
Call 9‑1‑1 only when immediate help is needed, including:
  • to report a fire
  • to stop a crime in progress or one that is about to occur
  • for medical emergencies
  • when life or property is at risk
Do not call 9-1-1 
  • when a crime is not happening right now and no one is in danger
  • for routine law enforcement inquires
  • for weather information
  • for directions
  • for directory assistance
  • to complain about loud noises from neighbours to report utility problems
Tips for calling 9-1-1
  • know your location - provide the exact address or the nearest intersection.
  • identify the emergency. Is someone hurt or in danger? Do you need Police, Fire, or Ambulance?
  • do not hang up if you call 9‑1‑1 accidentally or by pocket dial. Stay on the line. We will call you back to confirm there is no emergency.
  • stay calm, speak clearly, and answer all questions. Be prepared to describe what is happening.
  • listen carefully and follow the communicator’s instructions. Your information helps us send the right resources quickly.


Be ready to answer questions such as:

  • Where are you? What is the address or nearest intersection?
  • What do you see happening?
  • Who are you, and are you involved?
  • When did the incident occur?
  • Are there any weapons?
  • Is anyone injured?
  • Are there witnesses?

Additional reminders

  • Prank calls to 9‑1‑1 are traceable and will be investigated.
  • Cell phone calls provide limited location information, so be ready to tell us exactly where you are calling from.
What happens if you accidentally dial 9-1-1?

If you dial 9‑1‑1 by accident, or if a child calls when there is no emergency, do not hang up. Hanging up may make the communicator think an emergency is happening and could result in police being sent to your location.

Instead, stay on the line and explain what happened to the call taker.
Can I dial 9-1-1 from a wireless phone without a wireless plan?

All wireless phones, even those without an active plan or carrier, can call 9‑1‑1. However, phones without active service do not transmit location information, and call takers cannot call these phones back. If the call disconnects, the communicator has no way to confirm your location or verify the emergency.

These uninitialized phones are also sometimes used to make fake or malicious 9‑1‑1 calls, placing an unnecessary burden on emergency services. Call takers must still determine whether an emergency exists, even when the call is not genuine.
Teaching children about dialing 9-1-1

Teaching children when to call 9‑1‑1 is just as important as teaching them how to make the call. Resources are available to support parents and educators in explaining when and how to reach emergency services.

Parents should also be aware that old or inactive wireless phones can still dial 9‑1‑1. Children should be taught not to use these uninitialized phones to call 9‑1‑1.

To prevent accidental calls, it is recommended that parents remove the battery before giving unused phones to children.