9-1-1 Dispatch Center Sends Out Plea To Non-Emergency Callers

As the mercury on the thermometer rises to above normal temperatures, so do the number of calls to 911 centers. But unfortunately, not all those calls are emergencies.

Dispatchers at the Waukesha County Communications Center say they often see more calls during extreme weather.

While they encourage people to call if they need police, paramedics or firefighters, the amount of people seeking information actually can delay emergency calls.

"It prevents us from dealing with the true emergencies," said Gary Bell, Director of Emergency Preparedness in Waukesha County.

He says those who call for information on cooling shelters, transportation services, and other informational questions can actually push emergency calls down the line.

Bell says non-emergency questions can be directed to your local police station's non-emergency number or 2-1-1.