West Parry Sound OPP responded to 1,435 calls of 9-1-1 in 2014. This is a 44.3% increase compared to 994 calls during the same period in 2013.
Of those calls, 752 or 52 % were calls placed of a non-emergent nature.
These non-emergent calls consist of “Pocket Dials”, accidental dials and children playing with phones.
However, the OPP must respond to all 9-1-1 calls.
9-1-1 are for emergencies only so here are some tips to avoid unnecessary calls:
- Lock mobile phones or place them on “stand-by” by using the keypad lock feature.
- If your mobile has a 9-1-1 auto-dial feature, you may be able to disable it. Check the user manual to see if your phone has the ability;
- Don’t program 9-1-1 into your speed dial. It only takes a second to dial 9-1-1;
- Do not place your cell phone in a position where keys can accidentally dial. Use a case or holster to protect it when you put it away;
- Do not let children play with a household phone or old cell phones. If a phone has a battery in it, even if it is out of minutes or does not have a contract or service, it can still dial 9-1-1.
Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Ron Campbell says: “When 9-1-1 is called, emergency services will respond. Unnecessary calls place a huge burden on those resources and could prevent a speedy response to a real emergency, resulting in a potential tragedy.”