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Emergencies and 911

What is 911?

911 is the number to dial for the fastest possible emergency response when you need emergency POLICE, FIRE or MEDICAL ASSISTANCE in a life or death situation.

911 is a "team" of professional men and women--who are on call 24-hours a day. They are trained to assist in getting emergency help to you as quickly and as safely as possible.
When to dial 911

911 is the number to dial when an emergency is occurring either immediately or within the last 10 minutes.

How 911 Works

EXAMPLE: What To Do

You're looking out of your window and notice a person breaking into your neighbor's home...

  1. You should immediately go to the phone and dial 911.
  2. An "E911 Agent" will answer your call by identifying him or herself and will then ask you to give the phone number from where you are calling. Their computer will quickly verify your correct address for the police officer who is responding to your emergency call.
  3. Even while you are talking, an officer is already on the way. Try to remain calm and answer all of the Agent's questions--we understand you may be excited.
  4. DO NOT HANG UP! For officer safety, it is very important that the Agent on the phone gets all the necessary information about the emergency and the suspects.
  5. Give information most needed:
  6. < >Phone number from where you are callingWhat happenedWhere it happened (address)When it happenedIs anyone injured?Suspect descriptionVehicle descriptionLicense numberDirection of travel of suspectDid you see any weapons?How many suspects?


Community and Police Working Together

The Merrimack Police Department and town residents have joined forces to keep Merrimack one of the safest towns in New Hampshire.

More and more citizens are realizing that the sooner they call the police, the greater the chance is to catch the criminal or to save a life.

911 Emergency Examples

  • Someone breaking into your home now or one of your neighbors' homes.
  • Shootings
  • Fires
  • Traffic injury accidents
  • Person screaming
  • Child choking
  • Fights or displays of weapons


911 IS NOT for directory assistance or for emergency telephone repair.

Non-Emergency Examples

A Non-Emergency call is simply a request for police service that is not a life or death situation.

  • Abandoned vehicle
  • Loud party
  • Barking dog
  • Vandalism
  • Late reported calls


The NON-EMERGENCY Line: 424-3774

Click here if you would like to link to the New Hampshire Bureau of Emergency Communications website.