Beyond 911: Your Guide to Summerville's Non-Emergency Resources
We've all been there. Something happens: a suspicious car parked on your street for days, a minor fender bender in a parking lot, or your power suddenly goes out at 10 PM. Your first instinct might be to dial 911, but deep down you know it's not exactly an emergency. So what do you do?
Knowing the right number to call can save you time, get you faster help, and keep 911 lines open for true emergencies. That's why we put together this handy guide to Summerville's non-emergency resources. Bookmark this page, screenshot the numbers, or stick them on your fridge: you'll thank yourself later.
When Should You Call 911 vs. a Non-Emergency Line?
Before we dive into all the numbers, let's clear up a common question: when is it appropriate to call 911?
Call 911 when:
- There's an immediate threat to life or property
- A crime is actively happening
- Someone needs urgent medical attention
- There's a fire or you smell gas inside your home
- You witness a serious accident with injuries
Call a non-emergency number when:
- You want to report a past crime (your car was broken into overnight)
- There's a noise complaint or suspicious activity that isn't immediately dangerous
- You need to file a police report for insurance purposes
- You have questions for local law enforcement
- You're dealing with a minor traffic incident with no injuries
When in doubt, it's always okay to call 911: dispatchers are trained to route calls appropriately. But if you know it's not urgent, using the non-emergency line helps keep emergency lines clear for someone who really needs them.
Summerville Police Department Non-Emergency Line
If you live within the town limits of Summerville and need to reach police for a non-emergency situation, here's your go-to number:
Summerville Police Non-Emergency Dispatch: (843) 875-1650
This is the number to call for things like:
- Reporting a past theft or vandalism
- Noise complaints
- Suspicious vehicles or activity (that isn't immediately threatening)
- Requesting extra patrols in your neighborhood
- General questions for the police department
The Summerville Police Department is located at 300 West 2nd North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. If you need to speak with an on-duty supervisor: say, for a complaint or commendation about an officer: you can call (843) 871-2463.
Pro Tip: Know Your Jurisdiction
Here's something a lot of folks don't realize: if you live in a neighborhood outside the incorporated town of Summerville (even if your address says "Summerville"), you might actually be in Dorchester County's jurisdiction. When in doubt, either number can point you in the right direction.
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office
For residents in unincorporated areas of Dorchester County, the Sheriff's Office is your primary law enforcement contact.
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office:
- Non-Emergency (Business Hours): (843) 832-0300 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM)
- After-Hours Dispatch: (843) 873-5111
Same rules apply here: use these numbers for past crimes, non-urgent reports, or general inquiries. If it's an emergency, always call 911.
Fire & EMS Non-Emergency Contacts
Got a question for the fire department that isn't urgent? Maybe you want to schedule a fire extinguisher training for your business or ask about burn permits? Here's who to call:
Dorchester County Fire & EMS (Non-Emergency):
- (843) 832-0214 or (843) 563-0214
Their office is located at 101 Ridge Street, Suite 6, St. George, SC 29477, and they're available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Remember: if you see flames, smell smoke, or someone is having a medical emergency, that's a 911 call every time.
Local Medical Facilities & Poison Control
Not every health concern requires an ambulance. For non-emergency medical questions or situations where you can safely transport yourself or a family member, here are local resources:
| Facility | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Summerville Medical Center | (843) 875-3993 |
| East Cooper Medical Center | (843) 881-0100 |
| Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital | (854) 529-3100 |
| Poison Control | (800) 922-1117 |
A note on Poison Control: This is a critical number to have saved, especially if you have kids or pets. If someone ingests something potentially harmful, Poison Control can tell you whether you need to head to the ER or if it's safe to monitor at home. It's staffed 24/7 and the call is free.
Utility Contacts: Power Outages, Water Leaks & More
Nothing ruins your evening quite like the lights going out or discovering a water main issue on your street. Here's who to call:
Electricity (Dominion Energy)
Dominion Energy Customer Service: 1-800-251-7234 (7 AM–6 PM EST, Monday–Friday)
Downed Power Lines: If you see a downed power line, stay far away and call 888-333-4465 immediately. Never assume a downed line is dead: always treat it as live and dangerous.
You can also report outages and check restoration times through Dominion's website or app.
Water Issues (Dorchester County Water Authority)
Dorchester County Water Authority: (843) 875-0140
After-Hours Water Emergencies: (843) 284-3292
Whether it's a water main break, low pressure, or a billing question, this is your starting point. For after-hours emergencies (like a major leak), that second number will connect you to someone who can help.
Gas Leaks
Gas Leak Hotline: (800) 815-0083
If you smell gas inside your home, don't mess around: get everyone out, don't flip any light switches, and call this number (or 911) from outside. Gas leaks are no joke.
Cable & Internet (Spectrum)
Spectrum Customer Service: 1-855-707-7328
Not exactly an emergency, but when the Wi-Fi goes down during movie night, it can sure feel like one.
Trash Services
Eadies Rural Waste Services: (843) 832-0440
Questions about pickup schedules, missed collections, or bulk item disposal? Give them a call.
Helpful Community Resources
While we're at it, here are a few more numbers that Summerville residents find handy:
| Resource | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Summerville Parks Department | (843) 851-5211 |
| Summerville Library | (843) 871-5075 |
| Summerville YMCA | (843) 871-9622 |
| SC DMV | (800) 442-1368 |
| US Post Office (Summerville) | (843) 873-3571 |
Keep These Numbers Handy
Here's our challenge to you: take five minutes today to save these numbers in your phone. Create a note called "Summerville Non-Emergency" or add them as contacts. When something happens at 11 PM on a Tuesday, you'll be glad you did.
You can also screenshot this article or print it out and stick it on the fridge: old school, but effective.
Be Prepared for Anything
Knowing who to call is just one piece of being a prepared Summerville resident. We're working on more resources to help our community stay safe and informed, including disaster preparedness guides and emergency planning tips.
In the meantime, stay connected with what's happening around town by checking out our local events calendar and exploring local businesses that make Summerville such a great place to live.
Got a number we missed or a resource you think your neighbors should know about? Drop us a line: we're always looking to make this guide even more helpful for our community.
Stay safe out there, Summerville!