Ontario Provincial Police are reminding people to use 911 for its intended purpose only, to report emergencies.
On the Bruce Peninsula, for example, nine accidental 911 calls went to OPP dispatchers in April alone, utilizing 414 minutes or less than seven hours of officers' valuable patrol time.
"Pocket dials and children playing with phones were the two main contributors to these accidental 911 calls," says Bruce Peninsula OPP media relations officer Katrina Rubinstein-Gilbert.
That number is expected to rise as tourist season gets underway, with Victoria Day weekend approaching. Places across the province, like the Bruce Peninsula, will see an increase in visitors. National parks and other attractions are expecting more foot traffic because of the celebration of Canada's 150th birthday.
Every time 911 is called, it has to be followed up on, and Rubinstein-Gilbert says accidental or non-emergency calls are a waste of officers' valuable time.
"Each time there is an accidental 911 call, it is consuming dispatcher time, hampering their ability to attend to real emergencies," says Rubinstein-Gilbert. "It also ties up officer resources that could be better utilized to respond to actual emergencies and keeping our roads safe during busy traffic times."
Simply put, 911 is for major emergencies only, meant to report issues in which life or property is immediately threatened. 911 should not be used to call for information about school closings or road conditions, or to report power outages or lost pets.
911 should also not be used as directory assistance or to complain about service at businesses, and never, ever as a prank. In some Ontario municipalities, people who do not use 911 properly can be cited or fined for misuse.
Children should also be taught the responsible use of 911, and that cellphones are not toys. Do not give your child an old cellphone to play with, even if there's no battery or SIM card. The removal of a SIM card from a cell phone still enables the device to call 911, and cell users are encouraged to learn about how their devices can be locked to prevent accidental pocket or "butt dialing".
If you accidentally dial 911, the OPP says you should stay on the line and tell the dispatcher a mistake was made. This way, the dispatcher will not have to call you back or send a first-responder to check on you.
Non-emergencies should be reported by calling the non-emergency number for the OPP detachment in your area, or your local police or fire service. For more information on when and when not to use 911, click the OPP's resource here.