In case of an emergency requring police, fire, or medical assistance, dial 911 for help.The Des Moines Police is the local law enforcement agency. Each suburb also has its own police department, such as the Windsor Heights Police Department.
Des Moines is an extremely safe city during all parts of the day. One can take the evening air without feeling nervous. Just like in all other cities with a sizable amount of people, there are areas and neighborhoods that may be more troublesome for some groups of people than others. Visitors are likely to avoid these small pockets, however.
Pickpockets and grand ripoff schemes that plague other cities in the U.S. and across the globe are not pervasive in the area. Still, the best thing to do is use your judgment--if you don't want attention, don't do things to draw people's attention.
In any emergency which requires medical assistance, call 911.
All hospitals -- not clinics -- have 24-hour emergency services available.
Contact
local area code
The local area code is "515." Calling to nearby areas, such as Ames 35 mi 56 km north, which also begins with "515," is not considered "local," however, and thus the area code must be included when dialing.
Des Moines International Airport
Offers wireless internet access.
Iowa was one of the first states in the U.S. to provide wireless Internet access at rest areas.