What does 10-20 mean?

• A. Location of the incident or caller; where you are.
• B. Time of day.
• C. Water supply status.
• D. Weather conditions.

Answer: (A)

Knowing where the incident or caller is located is essential in dispatch. This code communicates location to establish exactly where help is needed, which guides which units are sent, where they should go, and how to route responders quickly. Having a precise location also informs staging decisions and can affect safety planning as responders approach the scene. If the caller isn’t sure of the exact spot, you’ll gather cross streets, nearby landmarks, mile markers, or use GPS coordinates and map data to pin it down, then confirm with the caller or on-scene units.

Other information like time of day, water supply status, or weather is gathered separately and does not define this code, so prioritizing location ensures responders know where to go right from the start.