Crisis Intervention & Hotlines
911 Silent Call Procedure
The silent call procedure helps people with certain disabilities or concerns to communicate their needs. This method works using a touch-tone, landline telephone, or a cell phone. Here’s how to use it:
- Call 911
- When the dispatcher answers, use your telephone’s keypad to “talk” to the dispatcher.
- Press 1 if you need police. Press 2 for fire. Press 3 for an ambulance.
- If the dispatcher asks you questions:
- Press 4 for “yes”. Press 5 for “no”.
If a Massachusetts dispatcher answers a 911 call and it is silent, they will go through these steps to see if there is a response. You do not have to remember the procedure; they will ask you while on the telephone.
Crisis & Emergency Hotlines
Elder Abuse Hotline - National - (800) 922-2275 Mass. - (855) 530-1796, website
Massachusetts: Disabled Persons Protection Commission - (800) 426-9009 - TTY - (888) 822-0350, website
Mobile Mental Health Crisis Services - (800)540-5806
National Domestic Violence Hotline - (800)-799-7233 - TTY - (877)-521-2601, website
National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration Helpline - (800) 662-4357 - TTY: 1 (800) 487-4889, website
National Sexual Assault Hotline - (800) 656 4673 [24/7 hotline], website
Suicide Hotlines (Massachusetts) - Dial “988” Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Boston: (617) 247-0220, website
Poison Control - Phone: 1 (800) 222-1222, website
Veterans Crisis Line - Phone: 1(800) 273-8255 - TTY: 1 (800) 799-4889, website
Winchester Fire Department 32 Mount Vernon St. - (781) 729-1802, website
Winchester Hospital 41 Highland Ave - (781) 729-9000
Winchester Police 30 Mt Vernon St - (781) 729-1214, website
