What to do during a 911 outage:
If your call to 911 does not go through, we encourage you to dial the 10 digit number to your local dispatch center:
Steele County: 507-451-8232
When using a traditional telephone, the communication with the Dispatch Center knows where the call is originating from. This is known as “Enhanced 9-1-1”. The 9-1-1 system performs differently when dialing from a cell phone, a telephone within a large business, or using Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP):
- On a cell phone within Minnesota, all 9-1-1 calls are routed to the MN State Police. After taking the intial information, the call may be transferred to the appropriate emergency response agency. Most cell phones do not provide location information, so it is important to know the exact location where the emergency is.
- Large companies have an internal phone system. When a call is made to the 9-1-1 center, one phone number and location is usually displayed. Where a company may have multiple locations, the location of the emergency call that is displayed could be a different building. Always state the correct address of the emergency location.
- VOIP is a new technology where phone calls are placed using the internet. In some cases, it is not possible to even dial 9-1-1. Where 9-1-1 service is available, the location information could wrong. Check with your VOIP provider about 9-1-1 service. Always state the correct address of the emergency location.
What you need to tell the dispatcher when you call 9-1-1:
- What type of emergency you are reporting.
- Your name and call back phone number.
- Indicate the type of injuries and number of people that might be affected. Is someone trapped in a vehicle or machine?
- Your location.
- If you are in a large building with multiple entrances, indicate which entrance should be used. Have someone go to the entrance to direct the emergency personnel.
- STAY ON THE LINE. If you must leave the phone, do not hang up the phone.
What to do before emergency personnel arrive:
- Don’t panic.
- Have someone stay with any injured people.
- Start any first aid, if it is needed.If someone is injured, try to get information on the individual’s medical history, medications, allergies, and emergency contacts. Give this information to the emergency personnel.
- Prepare a brief story on what happened before the call to 9-1-1.
Sometimes a call to 9-1-1 is placed accidently. If that should occur, do not hang up. Let the emergency dispatcher know it was an accidentental call. If you hang up, the dispatch center will attempt to call you back. If they cannot contact you, emergency personnel may be dispatched to ensure your saftey. It is better to take 30 seconds to let the dispatch center know it was an accident than have emergency personnel dispatched needlessly.
Calls using 9-1-1 must be limited to EMERGENCY situations, when an immediate need exists. Non-emergency phone numbers are available in the local telephone directory. They should be used for routine business, inquiries, or reporting other events.
Some non-emergency phone numbers are:
| Phone Number | Agency |
| 507-444-2454 | Owatonna Fire |
| 507-451-8233 | Steele County Sheriff |
| 507-444-3800 | Owatonna Police |
| 507-583-7308 | Blooming Prairie Police |
Do you have damage to report due a natural disaster? You can let us know about that damage using the Damaged Property Form.
Updated 03-Mar-2020