When is it appropriate to call 911 after a storm?

Emergency services are reminding when to call 911 after a recent storm.

A thunderstorm hit the region on Thursday night, causing damage to homes in the area and left debris.

Emergency personnel are using the event as an opportunity to remind when it’s appropriate to call 911 after a storm.

“Inevitable with the humidity that we’re gonna be getting into thunderstorms and lightning strikes, so you’re gonna get hydro lines down, could be structural collapse,” said Windsor Deputy Fire Chief Brian Bobbie.

“A tree in the middle of the road, if there’s no lines down, you’re going to obviously have traffic congestion, but if it’s a non-life safety, call a non-emergency line.”

Windsor’s non-emergency line is 519-258-4444.

Bobbie says the best way to be prepared is to have an emergency kit on hand that has batteries, a flashlight, food, water, and medication. He suggested to know where your electrical panel is and where your gas and water shut offs are as well.

In a life-threatening situations where 911 is necessary, dispatchers will ask for the exact address, if anyone is trapped or hurt, any hazards in the area, and to provide a callback number.

“By using our non-emergency lines, we’ll really reduce the stress load on the call volume, and we want to be able to get to people that are in the greatest need,” Bobbie added.

“Try to prioritize what you think would be common sense.”