Dial 911 first in any emergency

EMERGENCY ALERT

by Victor Rocha

GRF Security Services director

Due to a variety of issues and concerns, residents may require a police and/or medical emergency services response to their residence.

During these emergencies, some residents have contacted the Security Department before calling 911.

In any type of emergency, call 911 first! Don’t hesitate.

Whenever possible, call 911 from a landline phone; 911 calls received from a landline automatically display your address on the computer monitor of the emergency operator.

This is a tremendous help because if you are unable to give the operator your exact address, he or she will have your address on their computer screen and 911

and immediately send assistance your way.

Many residents have medical alert systems that are operated by a number of different companies. Always instruct a medical alert system operator to contact 911 first, not the Security Department. Having the Security Department contacted first can cause a significant delay in sending the assistance you need.

Some residents delay in calling 911 because they fear what is happening may not turn out to be a “real” emergency. Something that seems inconsequential at first can quickly become a major issue. Chest pains, shortness of breath or any head injury, for example, should always be considered serious, and 911 should be called immediately.

For more information, contact Security Services Director Victor Rocha at (562) 431-6586, ext. 371.