Why do the 9-1-1 operators ask so many questions?
The dispatcher you speak with on the telephone is typing information into a computer. Another communications officer is relaying that information, via radio, to the responding Firefighters. The 9-1-1 operator will ask certain questions in a particular order to most efficiently fill in the fields on the computer screen. Once a few preliminary questions have been answered, the operator will be in a better position to provide more details or narrative information, such as a the extent of the fire or is anyone still in the burning structure. The Niceville Fire Department suggests calling 9-1-1 from a cell phone or another phone OUTSIDE the residence to expedite the evacuation. NEVER go back into a structure after you have left it. Many people have died in fires AFTER they had already gotten out once but made the ultimate mistake by re-entering the burning structure. The responding Firefighters may have specific questions regarding the situation while they are en route. Unless you are in an
