The first call using the standard 911 emergency number system was made on this day in history, Feb. 16, 1968. It came years after a murder proved the need for the system.

As always, for all police, fire and emergency response organizations listed below, 911 is the emergency phone number citizens should call. Non-emergency phone numbers are provided below.

One of the first was in California in 1973, the Warren-911-Emergency Assistance Act, which set a blueprint for other municipalities. The act levied a tax on phone bills to pay for 911 service.