Not every problem requires a 911 call. From reporting suspicious activity to dealing with power outages, water problems, or neighborhood concerns, knowing who to contact can save time and help get you to the right people.

It’s 10 PM, and the power suddenly goes out.

Or maybe you’ve noticed a suspicious vehicle parked near your home for several days. Perhaps you wake up to discover someone damaged your car overnight.

You know something needs attention, but is it a 911 situation?

Sometimes the answer is yes. Other times, there’s a more appropriate number to call.

That’s why we’ve refreshed this guide to non-emergency resources serving Summerville and surrounding communities.

And because our area spans multiple counties, municipalities, and utility service districts, we’ve included something especially important: how to figure out which agency actually serves your address.

Save this guide, bookmark it, or share it with a neighbor. It’s the kind of information that’s useful to have before you need it.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: WHEN SHOULD YOU CALL 911?

Knowing the difference between an emergency and a non-emergency is the most important part of this guide.

Use a non-emergency number for situations such as:

• Reporting theft or vandalism discovered after the fact, with no immediate threat.
• Non-urgent noise complaints.
• Requesting information about police reports.
• Reporting neighborhood concerns that don’t involve immediate danger.
• General questions for a public safety agency.

One important reminder: suspicious activity isn’t automatically a non-emergency. If someone appears to be in danger, a crime is unfolding, or a situation is escalating, call 911.

If you’re genuinely unsure whether something is an emergency, call 911 and explain what’s happening. Dispatchers can assess the situation and direct the response.

YOUR SUMMERVILLE ADDRESS DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN TOWN LIMITS

Here’s something that’s easy to overlook.

Just because your mailing address says Summerville doesn’t necessarily mean you live within the incorporated Town of Summerville.

Some neighborhoods are served by Dorchester County agencies. Others fall within Berkeley County or Charleston County jurisdictions.

This matters when you’re trying to report a non-emergency, request a service, or reach the correct local government department.

It also applies to water, sewer, trash collection, and other utilities.

POLICE AND SHERIFF’S OFFICE CONTACTS

Different law enforcement agencies serve different parts of the greater Summerville area. These are the main non-emergency contacts to know.

Town of Summerville Police Department

Non-Emergency Dispatch: (843) 875-1650
Police Administration and Records: (843) 871-2463
Location: 108 North Cedar Street, Summerville, SC 29483

If you live within the Town of Summerville and need police assistance for a non-urgent matter, start with the non-emergency number.

This might include a past theft, vandalism, certain noise complaints, or other concerns that don’t involve immediate danger.

For records, administrative questions, and general department business, use the main office number.

A Summerville Police Department vehicle at Third Thursday in downtown Summerville. Photo: What’s Up Summerville.

Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office

Non-Emergency Dispatch: (843) 873-5111
Sheriff’s Office: (843) 832-0300
Location: 212 Deming Way, Summerville, SC 29483

The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office serves unincorporated areas of Dorchester County.

The county’s Consolidated Dispatch Center handles non-emergency dispatch requests and coordinates with multiple public safety agencies.

For administrative questions, records, or general Sheriff’s Office business, contact the main office.

Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff’s Office: (843) 719-4465
Non-Emergency Communications: (843) 719-4505 or (843) 719-4169
Administrative Office: 223 North Live Oak Drive, Moncks Corner, SC 29461

Berkeley County includes several communities with Summerville mailing addresses, including neighborhoods in the Cane Bay area.

Residents in unincorporated portions of Berkeley County may need to contact the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office rather than Summerville Police.

The Sheriff’s Office also provides options for incident reports, requesting patrols, and other community services.

A Note About Minor Accidents

Not every fender bender requires an ambulance, but don’t automatically assume a traffic collision should be handled through a non-emergency line.

If there’s an injury, immediate roadway hazard, suspected impaired driver, or uncertainty about everyone’s safety, call 911.

For a minor incident without injuries or immediate danger, follow the directions of the appropriate local law enforcement agency.

FIRE AND EMS: WHO TO CONTACT WHEN IT’S NOT AN EMERGENCY

Fire departments and emergency medical services do more than respond to emergencies.

They also handle public education, prevention programs, administrative questions, and other community services.

Summerville Fire & Rescue

Non-Emergency Office: (843) 873-5107
Headquarters: 300 West Second North Street, Summerville

Contact the department for general fire prevention questions, community programs, or administrative information.

Dorchester County Fire Rescue

Non-Emergency Office: (843) 832-0214
Alternative: (843) 563-0214
Headquarters: 101 Ridge Street, Suite 6, St. George

This department serves areas under Dorchester County Fire Rescue jurisdiction.

Dorchester County Emergency Medical Services

Non-Emergency Administration: (843) 832-0025
Headquarters: 821 West Fifth North Street, Summerville

This is an administrative contact, not a number to request an emergency ambulance.

For a fire, serious medical problem, or other immediate emergency, always call 911.

MEDICAL HELP AND POISON CONTROL

Not every medical concern requires an emergency room visit, but it’s important to know where to turn.

For non-urgent health questions, contacting your healthcare provider, an appropriate urgent care facility, or your health insurer’s nurse advice line may be a useful first step.

For emergencies, call 911.

Poison Help

This is one number every household should have saved.

Poison Help connects callers with poison specialists who can provide guidance about potentially harmful exposures to medications, household products, chemicals, and other substances.

You don’t have to wait for symptoms to appear before calling.

However, if someone has collapsed, is having a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be awakened, call 911 immediately.

POWER OUTAGES, GAS LEAKS, AND OTHER UTILITY PROBLEMS

A power outage or water problem can quickly disrupt your day. Knowing which company provides your service is just as important as knowing the right phone number.

Dominion Energy

Customer Service: 1-800-251-7234
Downed or Sparking Power Lines: 1-888-333-4465
Natural Gas Leaks: 1-800-815-0083

Dominion Energy provides electric and natural gas services to many residents in the region.

For routine account questions, contact customer service.

For power outages, you can report the issue or check restoration information through Dominion Energy’s website or mobile app.

Dominion’s outage and emergency resources are available at Dominion Energy South Carolina.

Dorchester County Water & Sewer

Customer Service and Service Problems: (843) 832-0075
Alternative: (843) 563-0075

Dorchester County Water & Sewer serves certain areas of Dorchester County.

Customers can report water and sewer issues, including suspected main breaks and sewer overflows, using the department’s contact numbers.

Calls outside normal office hours are directed to an answering service that can notify appropriate personnel.

Be aware that the county may assess after-hours service charges for certain non-emergency customer requests.

Berkeley County Water & Sanitation

Customer Service and Water Emergencies: (843) 572-4400

Berkeley County Water & Sanitation provides service to customers within its coverage area.

For issues such as water leaks, sewer problems, or water quality concerns, contact the department directly.

The same number is used after hours, when an answering service can notify the appropriate personnel.

What If You Don’t Know Your Water Provider?

Check your latest utility bill.

That might sound obvious, but utility coverage doesn’t always follow the same boundaries as police, fire, or municipal services.

Keep the name and emergency contact for your actual utility provider saved in your phone.

NEIGHBORHOOD ISSUES AND TOWN SERVICES

Not every community concern is a police matter.

A damaged street sign, drainage problem, overgrown property, or missed municipal service may be better handled by a local government department.

Town of Summerville Public Works

Phone: (843) 851-4225

Public Works handles various town responsibilities involving streets, stormwater drainage, street signs, and other infrastructure.

For a non-emergency concern involving a town-maintained street or drainage area, this can be a good place to start.

Town of Summerville Code Enforcement

Phone: (843) 695-6511

Code Enforcement addresses certain property maintenance issues, nuisance ordinance concerns, and other matters covered by town ordinances.

Its jurisdiction is limited to locations within the Town of Summerville.

Town of Summerville Main Office

Phone: (843) 871-6000

If you’re unsure which town department handles a question, the main office can help direct you.

For county-maintained roads, property concerns, or services outside town limits, you may need to contact the appropriate county government instead.

A QUICK-REFERENCE LIST WORTH SAVING

Here are some of the key numbers from this guide in one place. Tap a phone number on your mobile device to call.

TAKE FIVE MINUTES TO GET PREPARED

Here’s a simple challenge.

Before you close this article, take a few minutes to save the numbers you’re most likely to need.

1. Save your local law enforcement non-emergency number.
2. Save your water, electric, and gas providers’ contact information.
3. Add Poison Help to your phone.
4. Check which county and municipality serve your home.
5. Share this guide with someone who might find it useful.

You might never need most of those numbers. But if something happens late at night or during a busy weekend, having the right contact ready can make a stressful situation a little easier.

And if you have an older emergency contact list on the refrigerator, this is a good opportunity to review it.

Phone numbers, departments, and service arrangements can change over time.

MORE WAYS TO PREPARE: LOWCOUNTRY READY

Knowing who to call is an important part of being prepared, but there’s more to emergency planning than keeping a list of phone numbers.

That’s why What’s Up Summerville created Lowcountry Ready, our local preparedness resource hub designed to help residents plan ahead for the unexpected.

From hurricane preparation and emergency supply kits to power outages, flooding, generator safety, and other Lowcountry concerns, the hub brings together practical guides and trusted resources in one place.

Lowcountry Ready isn’t a replacement for official emergency management agencies. During an active emergency, always follow instructions from local public safety officials and emergency management authorities.

A little preparation today can make a big difference when something unexpected happens tomorrow.

HELP US KEEP THIS GUIDE USEFUL

Summerville continues to grow, and the resources serving our neighborhoods don’t always fit neatly into one set of town limits.

If you know of a useful non-emergency resource that should be included, we’d love to hear about it.

Our goal is to make What’s Up Summerville a place where residents can find not just events and local businesses, but practical information that helps them navigate everyday life in our community.

Because supporting a community also means helping people know where to turn when they need assistance.

Support Local • Love Summerville

Resource information reviewed October 2026. Phone numbers, service areas, and procedures may change. Confirm details with the responsible agency. For emergencies or immediate danger, call 911.