In an emergency call 9-1-1

In an emergency seconds count! When police, fire, or medical emergencies occur, call 9-1-1. Trained emergency call takers will provide you with the information and assistance you need.

9-1-1 = EMERGENCY in any language

When should you call 9-1-1?

Call 9-1-1 during any emergency where people or property are at risk.

What you should know when dialing 9-1-1

• at home, you can dial 9-1-1 direct
• at a business or other location, you may need to dial an outside line before dialing 9-1-1
• at a pay phone, dial 9-1-1, the call is free
• when using a cellular phone be prepared to give the exact location of the emergency, the call is free
• for TTY access (Telephone Device for the Deaf) press the spacebar announcer key repeatedly until a response is received
• if the caller does not speak English, they must stay on the line while the call taker contacts our telephone translations service.

What you can do to help 9-1-1 help you!

Remain calm and speak clearly. Identify which emergency service you require (police, fire, or ambulance) and be prepared to provide the following information:

• a description of what is happening
• the location
• your name, address and telephone number

Please remain on the line to provide additional information if requested to do so by the call taker.

DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL THE CALL TAKER TELLS YOU TO DO SO.

Remember, it is important to have your house numbers visible from the street. This will assist emergency personnel in finding you as quickly as possible.

Distress Lines

Distress Centre
Provides 24-hour telephone support, 365 days a day, to  those experiencing emotional distress or in need of crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Call 416.408.HELP  (4357)

Gerstein Centre
Provides telephone support, counseling, community visits, and crisis intervention to adults, living in the City of Toronto, who experience mental health problems.  Crisis calls of a medical nature (psychiatric assessment, severe self-harm or suicide attempts) are referred to a hospital.
Call 416.929.5200

Mobile Crisis Program
Telephone crisis line and community-based crisis intervention in the individual’s home or place of choice.  Home visits are covered by OHIP.
Call 416-495-2891