When to Call 911
- West Jackson Fire Department
- Jan 29
- 2 min read
Save emergency calls for life-threatening situations
Keeping emergency lines clear helps us respond quickly to 911 calls, particularly during severe weather events.
Quick Reference Guide
CALL 911 FOR: Medical emergencies, fires, carbon monoxide alarms, people trapped or in danger, downed power lines threatening homes, vehicle crashes with injuries
DON'T CALL 911 FOR: Power outages, slippery roads, fallen trees not blocking access, weather updates, preparedness questions
Who to Call
Power outage:
Jackson EMC, 1-800-245-4044, www.jacksonemc.com
Georgia Power, 1-888-891-0938, www.georgiapower.com
Roads:
Georgia Department of Transportation, 511 for urgent traffic reports, road conditions and assistance, 511ga.org
Jackson County 911 Center, 706-367-1911 non-emergency number, for non-urgent situations that warrant police, fire or public works assistance
Who to Follow
Local road conditions, emergency incidents, and safety tips:
West Jackson Fire Department wjfd.org/blog to subscribe to news releases @WestJacksonFD on Facebook @westjacksonfire on Instagram @WestJacksonFire on X
Severe weather updates, emergency alerts, and preparedness tips:
Jackson County Emergency Management Agency jacksoncountygov.com/229/EMA to sign up for alerts @JacksonCountyGAEMA on Facebook @JacksonCountyGAEMA on Instagram
Local government information:
Jackson County Government, jacksoncountygov.com
City of Hoschton, cityofhoschton.net
Town of Braselton, braselton.net
Help Us Help You
Your West Jackson firefighters are prepared to respond to emergencies even in challenging winter conditions. However, severe weather can delay response times when it's unsafe for crews to travel. That's why understanding when to call 911 is critical.
Call 911 immediately for medical emergencies like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or serious injuries. If you see fire or smoke in a structure, smell gas, or hear your carbon monoxide alarm sounding, dial 911 right away. Any situation where someone is trapped or in immediate danger — including motor vehicle crashes with injuries — requires an emergency response.
During winter storms, we know frustrations mount quickly. Power outages, icy roads and fallen branches create headaches for everyone. But these situations, while inconvenient, aren't emergencies requiring 911.
For power outages, contact your electricity provider directly. Slippery road conditions should be reported to the Georgia Department of Transportation's non-emergency line, 511. Fallen trees or limbs that aren't blocking roadways or threatening structures can wait until conditions improve, or you can contact the Jackson County 911 non-emergency number.
We Are Ready
When you call 911 during a true emergency, you're reaching your neighbors—the firefighters who live and serve right here in western Jackson County. We're committed to being there when you need us most, but we can only do that effectively when emergency lines remain available for life-threatening situations. By using 911 appropriately, you help ensure that help reaches everyone who truly needs it.
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