Mar 16 2009
When to Dial 3-1-1 or 9-1-1 PDF  | Print |  E-mail
Written by Heather   
Monday, 16 March 2009

          philly 311

When to Dial 911, When to Dial 311

Dial 9-1-1 EMERGENCY!

(If you want police, fire or Emergency Medical Services(EMS) to respond to a location)

 * Any crimes in progress (or just occurred), especially

       if the suspect is still on the scene.

* Serious Violent crimes such as homicide, robbery

      domestic violence and assault.

* Fire/medical emergencies

* Gunshots or a person with a gun or other dangerous weapons.

* Home/business intruders

* Vehicle crashes with personal injury, major property damage

      or traffic tie-ups

* Illegally parked cars that are blocking traffic

       If you see a criminal you know is wanted by the police

Dial 3-1-1

 EVERYTHING ELSE!

(for city services and police matters that do not require police fire or Emergency Medical 

Services (EMS) to respond to a location)

* Information on city services, such as what to recycle, where is your 

     local recreation center, how to obtain a business license

* Police/Fire Department phone numbers and address

* Inforamtion about court hearings and probation

* Noise complaints

* Trash pickup information

* Report abandoned cars

* City agency phone numbers, address and hours of operation

* Request for city services

    

 

              philly 311

311 is the only number you need to call when you need information or to access a Philadelphia City service.

                             Starting December 31, 2008,           

         Call 311 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

What questions can 311 answer?

Directory Assistance - What's the number for local police stations?

Information Services - What day will my trash be picked up?

Service Request - How can the City remove debris from the street and the sewer drains after a storm?

Updates in Special Events - What is the route of the parade?

How is 311 different from 911?

911 is for emergencies only. For all non-emergency City service or information, call 311.

Why create 311 now?

To improve customer service for the people of Philadelphia. People will not have to hassle finding the right number to get what they need.

311 will help all City departments to maximize limited resources, using 311 to address the public's most common questions and use their staff's time more effectively address the problems if the public. We will deliver services smarter, faster, and better.

How will this help to improve service from the City of Philadelphia?

The 311 Center will help organize request for services from citizens, keep track if when the request comes in, and hold city employees accountable for responding quickly to the needs of Philadelphia residents.

How does it work?

Calls come to the 311 call center. If you are calling about directory assistance, updates on special events, or other general information, your inquiry us answered immediately. If you are calling to access City

services, a request is placed and sent to the correct department or departments. Callers seeking City services will receive a tracking number which will allow them to follow-up on their request. Response times will be tracked and City departments will be accountable for a timely follow-up.

Who can use 311?

The 311 service is available to anyone who needs to know more about Philadelphia, City services, or general information. Residents, businesses , and visitors re all encouraged to call.

What if I have other questions or comments about 311?

Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to hear from one of our staff members or visit our website at http://www.phila.gov/311