(BlackburnNews.com file photo)(BlackburnNews.com file photo)
London

911 Is Not For Ordering Food, Reminds Norfolk OPP

Ontario Provincial Police in Norfolk County say some people aren't getting the message that 911 is only for emergencies.

The OPP detachment wants to reinforce to people the importance of using the emergency number correctly.

Constable Ed Sanchuk says around 10:30pm Thursday, the OPP communications centre received two calls from an intoxicated person, requesting a taxi service to help complete a food delivery.

In 2017, OPP officers responded to 1,984 calls for service tied to 911 hang-ups or "pocket-dialled" calls. Sanchuk says so far this year, 586 such calls were answered.

"Whether false alarms are intentional or unintentional, they tie up the phone lines at the communications centre, waste taxpayer money, tie up law enforcement officers and threaten lives," says Sanchuk.

The OPP says on average it takes about 30 minutes for two officers to respond to the call, investigate it and clear it. These responses create a strain on police resources, making it harder for someone with a real life-or-death emergency to get help at a time when every minute counts.

The public is reminded that 911 is only for emergencies, defined as situations where life or property is immediately threatened. These include fires, a crime in progress, or a severe medical condition such as a heart attack or stroke.

If you dial 911 accidentally, don't hang up. Stay on the line and tell the dispatcher you made a mistake, so a first responder is not sent to check on you.

911 is not to be used to get road conditions or weather reports. It is also not to be used to report lost pets, request a ride or complain about service at businesses. Non-emergency calls to police should go to the OPP's line at 1-888-310-1122, or the non-emergency line at your local police service.

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