The following is a release from Snohomish County:

Fall is in the air and with it the likelihood of stormy weather. Snohomish County 911 centers ask residents to help them by keeping 911 lines open for emergencies during busy times such as a storm. If residents need to report a power outage, call the Snohomish County PUD directly at 425-783-1001 or toll free at 1-877-783-1001, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If there is a need to report a life-threatening situation or a hazard to public safety, such as a downed power line or a tree across the road, 911 is the number to call.

With the ability of 911 centers to receive texts in Snohomish County, the same guidelines apply. Also, please remember to type the location of the emergency in the first text and to call if you can and text (only) if you can’t. Some scenarios where texting 911 would be appropriate include:

• Deaf, hard of hearing or individuals with speech disabilities.
• Caller is unable to speak due to a medical or other condition.
• When speaking out loud would put the caller in danger such as a home invasion, an abduction, a domestic violence incident, or an active shooter scenario.

What about situations where emergency services personnel are needed but there is no immediate danger to life or property? SNOCOM and SNOPAC also have non-emergency numbers.

Examples of non-emergencies include:

• Non-life threatening storm related issues
• A found pet or property item
• Emergency services personnel are needed but there is no immediate danger to life or property

If it is a non-emergency, like the examples listed above, use one of the numbers below:

For Brier, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, and Mukilteo dial: 425-775-3000.

For the rest of Snohomish County, dial 425-407-3999.

When calling a non-emergency number, keep the following tips in mind:

• Know your location or the location of where the incident occurred.
• Dispatchers are trained to ask questions to prioritize your incident. Keep answers brief and to the point.
• Please help keep 911 lines open for emergencies by following these guidelines.