The Guelph Police Service has launched an awareness campaign focusing on accidental 911 calls.
Last year, the service received more than 14,000 of them, says a police press release.
"This continues to be a huge problem that ties up valuable resources and prevents people with critical emergencies from reaching 911. The Guelph Police Service needs YOU to help prevent these types of calls," said the release.
The majority of accidental calls to 911 come from cell phones. The most common types include pocket dials, cup holder calls and bag dials (from purses).
Communications staff return every hang-up call to see if emergency services are needed. If there is no answer, a message is left, advising the individual that their device has dialed 911. Following this, if the call was made from a cell phone, police will then send a text message to your device to advise that your device dialed 911.
If communication staff still doesn't hear back, they will contact your phone company to get additional information on how to get in contact with you to make sure you are safe.
"If you realize that you or your phone has dialed 911 in error, do not panic and do not hang up so our communications staff can ensure your safety."
Police say make sure your cellphone cannot dial 911 on its own.
- Storing it in a phone case can help to ensure your cellphone cannot dial 911 accidentally.
- lock your screen.
- add a password to your device
If you accidentally dial 911, from your home or cell phone, stay on the line and tell the communications staff what happened. If you hang up, they will call you back and that could tie up a line for someone who needs it.
