If you are the first to come upon an accident:

• Assess the situation, location and problems.
• If there is evidence of hazardous materials (i.e. a placard, running chemicals, odor, etc.), determine wind direction and go upwind from the incident and call 911 immediately.
   

If the accident does not appear to have hazardous materials involved, go to the nearest pay phone or use your cell phone to call 911 or the 7-digit number to dispatch to get help. It is important that dispatch be informed of an accident as soon as possible. Collect what information you can quickly, but do not delay reporting the information while gathering more. The most important piece of information you can provide the dispatcher is the location of the accident. If possible without delaying the report, you can also provide the dispatcher with this information:

• Your name.
• Your location.
• A call back number if available.
• Location - mile marker, street name, etc.  (This is the most important piece of information you can provide the dispatcher.)
• Direction of travel of vehicles involved.
• Injuries (complaints from victims if known).
• Number of victims (if known).
• Road blockage.
• Vehicle types and descriptions.

Remember, the location is the most important piece of information you can provide the dispatcher.