By Alan-Michael Steele [1]
BELLEVILLE –Northumberland OPP responded to 33 unintentional calls to 9-1-1 this past weekend, according to a press release.
Northumberland OPP said that they are required to respond to every single unintentional call or hang up they recieve, as a call like this can be in indication of someone in distress. Responding to these calls takes resources and delays response to other emergency call, police said.
They’re asking the community that if you place an unintentional 9-1-1 call and an operator calls back to please remain on the line and let them know your current location so police can check on your well being. Not responding means officers have to be dispatched to search for the caller and can tie up resources longer. The release also advises residents to avoid pocket dials by locking your keypad, not adding 9-1-1 to speed dial and keeping any auto-call features for smart watches turned off.
The OPP has more information on what happens when you dial 9-1-1 and what to do if you dial 9-1-1 accidentally on their website [2].