911 is for emergencies only. 911 Dispatchers answer both 911 calls as well as general or business calls made to the Malden Police business numbers. Reserving 911 for emergencies enables dispatchers to easily recognize and give highest priority to emergency callers while still being able to receive and promptly answer calls for service or non-emergency calls.
Here are examples of emergencies:
- Life Threatening Situations
- Fires
- Motor Vehicle Accidents with injuries or that cause major traffic and street obstructions
- Injuries requiring emergency medical attention
- Hazardous chemical spills
- Fire, smoke or carbon monoxide detectors sounding
- Sparking electrical hazards
- Smoke in a building
- Any other potentially life-threatening EMERGENCY
Below are some situations when you should not dial 9-1-1:
- Past incidents of theft or vandalism
- Inquiring about school openings or closings
- Reporting a blocked driveway or obstructed hydrant
- Questions about snow emergencies
- Reporting a noise complaint
- All other NON-EMERGENCY situations
*In these situations, call 781-397-7171