Know the Difference Think Before You Dial 911

An increase in non-emergency calls to 911 is placing a strain on dispatchers, first responders, and healthcare organizations.  Please see list below of non-emergency phone numbers to use as an alternate.

Municipal - Non-emergency

Non-emergency Washoe County
Washoe County

Non-emergency

775-785-9276

Call

Website

Non-emergency City of Reno 775-334-2677
City of Reno

Non-emergency

775-334-2677

Call

Website

Non-emergency City of Sparks 775-353-2231
City of Sparks

Non-emergency

775-353-2231

Call

Website

Non-emergency Carson City fire 775-887-3473
Carson City

Non-emergency fire

775-887-3473

Call

Website

Non-emergency Carson City police 775-887-2677
Carson City

Non-emergency police

775-887-2677

Call

Website

Non-emergency Reno-Sparks Indian Colony 775-323-2677
Reno-Sparks Indian Colony

Non-emergency

775-323-2677

Call

Website

Non-emergency Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe 775-547-0444
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe

Non-emergency

775-547-0444

Call

Medical - Non-emergency

Non-emergency Hometown Health Hotline 775-982-5757
Hometown Health Hotline

Non-emergency

775-982-5757

Call

Website

General - Non-emergency

Non-emergency Washoe311 311
Washoe311

Non-emergency

311

Call

Website

Non-emergency Nevada 2-1-1
Nevada 2-1-1

Non-emergency

2-1-1

Call

Website

Non-emergency Reno Direct 775-334-INFO
Reno Direct

Non-emergency

775-334-INFO

Call

Website

An increase in non-emergency calls to 911 is placing a strain on dispatchers, first responders, and healthcare organizations. Regional response agencies are working together on a public education effort to draw attention to the over utilization of the 911 system and how that affects the response by emergency personnel to life-threatening emergencies. Below are two Public Service Announcements (PSAs) written and produced by local first responders  in an effort to educate the public about 911.

Regional response agencies want to emphasize the importance of educating citizens on the 9-1-1 system and its appropriate uses:

  • 9-1-1 is for police, fire and medical emergencies. It is not for matters like neighbor complaints, general medical questions, having a sick pet, or reporting a broken fire hydrant.
  • Be sure to lock your phone before putting it in your purse or pocket.
  • If you and/or others are not in immediate harm or danger use your respective jurisdictional non-emergency line.

Sparks Fire Department PSA

Sparks Police Department PSA

Carson City Sheriff’s Office PSA

Last modified on 08/15/2023