911 Communications Center

When you call 911 within the City of Seattle, call-takers at the Downtown-based 911 Communications Center answer — in under 15 seconds, on average. They work with precinct-focused dispatchers to send the best responders to emergencies across the city, including police officers, firefighters, medics, and the Community Crisis Responders.

The 911 Communications Center is also responsible for answering the City's non-emergency line (206-625-5011) and texts to 911.

The 911 Communications Center is staffed twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. Its call-takers can translate nearly 300 languages and communicate with callers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Always call 911 for:

• A police, fire, medical, or mental health emergency
• A serious situation which poses a danger to life, property, or both
• A serious crime such as robbery, domestic violence, or sexual assault 
• A downed power line

You can also call 911 to report a person who appears to be unconscious or not breathing, to request a welfare check, or to request resources, referrals, food, or transportation for someone in need.