Public Education

It is our goal at Valley Communications Center to provide the highest quality of service possible to the citizens and agencies we serve.  It is the intent of our Center to establish formal relationships with the communities within our jurisdiction.  This program will increase the communities’ understanding of the activities and roles of this agency and increase the public confidence.

We welcome the opportunity to have your group tour the 9-1-1 Center or to send a speaker to your location.  Speakers are available at no cost for your club or group.  For more information on 9-1-1 Public Education, contactsupervisors@valleycom.org or 253-372-1490.

What is an emergency?

An emergency is any occurrence that requires the IMMEDIATE dispatch of Police, Fire, and/or Medical Services.  If non-emergency assistance is needed, you can find phone numbers and links to the appropriate agency for your need here. 2-1-1 is a resource for the Crisis Clinic and community services information. For other 9-1-1 related information visit King County E-9-1-1.

For 9-1-1, use your voice. 9-1-1 centers cannot receive text messages, so you must call if you need emergency assistance.
Lock your wireless phone so that you don’t accidentally call 9-1-1. Pocket and purse/bag dialing are a big problem for 9-1-1. Much time and resources, both by 9-1-1 centers and police, are wasted on accidental 9-1-1 calls and hang-ups. If you accidentally call 9-1-1 do not hang up until you have explained to the 9-1-1 call receiver that it was an accident.

When calling 9-1-1, remember to:

  • Remain calm
  • Speak clearly
  • Listen to ALL instructions
  • Answer ALL the questions
  • The questions are necessary and are designed to provide the correct level and urgency of response
  • Know your location when calling 9-1-1
  • One of the first things you will be asked if you call 9-1-1 and need emergency assistance is, “What’s Your Location?”. Awareness of your surroundings, such as street names, landmarks and mile markers, can be helpful in identifying your location

Text to 911

9-1-1 call centers in all King County cities and unincorporated areas can accept texts from those who are unable to call during an emergency.
  • Make sure your text includes the exact location of the emergency (including city).
  • The type of help needed (police, fire, medical).
  • Stay on the phone, use full words to answer questions.
  • Follow instructions from the call taker
  • Do Not use abbreviations and do not send photos or videos.
  • For other important information about 9-1-1, visit these related web pages:

  • 9-1-1 calling basics
  • 9-1-1 and wireless phones
  • 9-1-1 and broadband phones
  • Text to 9-1-1