Since the start of the year the OPP has received numerous, unnecessary calls to 911. Up to 90 per cent of calls were not emergencies. These calls consist of pocket dials, accidental dials and children playing with phones. When 911 is called, emergency services are required to respond. Unnecessary calls place a huge burden on those resources and could prevent a speedy response to a real emergency.
To avoid unnecessary calls be sure to lock mobile phones, do not program 911 into your speed dial, don’t place your phone in a position where it can accidentally dial and don’t let children play with a house hold phone or old cell phone. If the phone has a battery in it even if it’s out of minutes it can still dial 911.
If it’s not an emergency you can contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.
