MINOT, ND ( KXNET ) — Knowing the difference between what is and what isn’t an emergency can help relieve some of the stress first responders face every day.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, over 13 million 911 calls are made every year.

With 98% of those calls being unnecessary or non-emergencies, first responders in Minot say things such as controlled burns, a smoke alarm needing to be replaced, or accidental property damage are not emergencies.

And people should know the difference before calling 911.

“The reason we have two numbers is to classify emergencies versus non-emergencies. You call 911, you’re going to get the emergent number, if you call the non-emergent number, you’re going to get a non-emergent response. The reason we have these is to not overcrowd the 911,” said Ryan Rivas, a firefighter.

If you need assistance with a non-emergency, the number you can call for Minot is 701-852-0111

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