Boone County News Release

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Residents Reminded When to Call 9-1-1

COLUMBIA, Mo. (July 3, 2024) –Boone County Joint Communications is prepared for a spike in calls on the Fourth of July holiday.

Residents are reminded to call 9-1-1 for emergencies only and to call the non-emergency numbers 3-1-1 or 573-442-6131 for other situations requiring law enforcement attention, such as noise caused by fireworks or fireworks being discharged in prohibited areas.

Calling 9-1-1 when there is no emergency can prevent actual emergency calls from being connected in a timely manner and could delay emergency responders for someone who really needs help. 

When to call 9-1-1 versus 3-1-1:

• Call 9-1-1 for any situation requiring the immediate presence of law enforcement or a response from fire/rescue or ambulance services.
• A burglary in progress
• A house fire
• A person trapped by machinery
• A person having chest pain
• Call 3-1-1 or 573-442-6131 for law enforcement assistance when immediate presence of law enforcement is not required.
• To report an abandoned vehicle
• To report a noise complaint
• To report lost or stolen property
• To report a parking issue
• If you are not sure whether something is an emergency, dial 9-1-1 to report the incident.

To learn more about 3-1-1 and other helpful services and resources, please visit www.showmeboone.com/bcjc/311/.

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