In Case of Emergency, Dial 9-1-1 and make certain the dispatcher/operator is aware you are calling from the Town of St. James.
If you are using your cell phone or calling from an exchange other that 253, dialing 9-1-1 in St. James can give you more than you anticipated.
The reason for this is because a cell phone tower or exchange in a distant town picked up your call.
If you are near Oak Island then the Oak Island emergency communications center might answer, or if you’re in the Players Club area using a 457-/454- exchange, your incoming call to the Brunswick County emergency communications center asppears to be originating in Southport or Oak Island and if you are calling from a cell phone…well, can you hear me now?
So, what’s a guy or gal to do when an emergency arises? First, make sure you make the call to 9-1-1. Too many people think they don’t have a real emergency until it might be too late. Small fires are much easier to extinguish than large ones. Medical emergencies of any nature are best left to those who are trained to deal with them.
When the dispatcher answers you will be asked some questions. For example, “What’s the nature of your emergency?” Your response, of course is to describe the emergency AND you make certain the dispatcher/operator is aware you are calling from the Town of St. James. This information will enable the dispatcher to call out the closest fire or emergency medical service unit. You will also be asked to give your street address and your telephone number. If you are on a golf course, tell the dispatcher which course and hole. The SJFD has maps that direct us to the hole/fairway locations (sorry, we can’t help you out of the rough).
In many cases, you will be asked to stay on the phone until the appropriate unit arrives. The help you have summoned should be arriving within minutes.
It’s the pleasure of St. James Fire Department to serve you, so please allow us the opportunity by dialing 9-1-1 and by telling the folks who answer you are in or near the Town of St. James.