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1. What is the non-emergency phone number to contact Police, Fire, or EMS in Colonial Heights?

The non-emergency phone number is (804) 520-9300.

2. When should I call 911?

911 if for emergencies, potential emergencies or when an emergency is imminent. Call 911 for medical emergencies, fires, crimes in progress and situations which are life threatening. If you are unsure, call 911 and the dispatcher will be able to assist you.

Do not call 911 to report electrical outages, barking dogs or for general information.

3. When I call 911, what should I do?

Remain calm and speak in a clear voice. Do not panic or yell or into the phone. This will make it extremely difficult for call takers to understand what you are saying. Answer all of the call taker’s questions such as, what happened, where did it happen, are there weapons, are their injuries, who is involved, are the suspects still there, etc.

4. If I dial 911 by mistake, what should I do?

Should you accidently dial 911 in error, DO NOT HANG UP. Please stay on the line so a call taker can ascertain if everything is ok. They will also verify information with you such as the number you are calling from and the location. If you hang up, we will attempt to call you back to make sure everything is ok. Should we be unable to make contact, we will dispatch a police unit to check on your welfare.

5. What happens when I dial 911 from my cellular phone?

When you call 911 from your cell phone, the Dispatch Center it is routed to depends on which cellular tower you are close to. If you are in Colonial Heights and dial 911, you may possibly be connected with Petersburg, Chesterfield or Prince George instead of Colonial Heights. DO NOT HANG UP! The call taker will transfer you to the correct locality.

6. Can you tell where I am when I call 911 from my cell phone?

The Colonial Heights Emergency Communications Center’s Computer Aided Dispatch System is equipped with mapping software which is integrated with our 911 equipment. When you call 911 from your cellular device, your location is automatically plotted on a map using longitude and latitude.

7. Can the Colonial Heights Emergency Communications Center communicate with the hearing or speech impaired?

Yes. We accept Text to 911. Our 911 equipment is also equipped with Telecommunication Device for the Deaf which enables us to type information to callers. Our personnel are also trained to handle Video Relay Service calls.

8. Why do I reach Emergency Communications when calling after hours about my utility bill?

Since the Emergency Communications Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, we have the responsibility to answer calls concerning utilities such as water or sewer problems. If your water has been cut off, please provide your name and address to the Emergency Dispatcher so someone can be contacted to respond to your location. Water will not be turned back on after 7:00 PM and arrangements must be made the following day.

9. How do I contact a magistrate?

The Magistrate’s office is located in Chesterfield County. They can be reached at (804) 748-1410.

10. Where can I find information on road conditions?

Visit 511 Virginia (a service of the VA Department of Transportation) for road conditions and traffic alerts.

11. Who do I contact if my electricity is out?

Contact Dominion Virginia Power at 1-888-667-3000. This is their 24/7 phone line for reporting outages, downed power lines or other emergencies.

12. What is the Keepsafe Program and how can I enroll?

The Colonial Heights Emergency Communications Center offers a service, the Keepsafe Program, to citizens who live alone and have medical conditions. Emergency Dispatch personnel will make regular phone calls to check on those enrolled. If contact cannot be made, a police unit will be dispatched to check on the welfare of the individual. Visit the Keepsafe Program website for more information and an application to enroll.