Its 9-1-1 Awareness Week
Avoid calling 9-1-1 by mistake.
April 12 -16 is 9-1-1 Awareness Week.
In 2020, Peel emergency communicators answered 555,853 calls.
60% of these calls were for valid emergencies, but 40% were misuse calls – pocket dials, hang ups, and test calls.
Remember to avoid calling 9-1-1 by mistake. Misusing 9-1-1 reduces the ability to deal with legitimate emergency situations and can prevent emergency services from helping those in need.
How and when to use 9-1-1
- Never use 9-1-1 in non-emergency situations such as a noise complaint or reporting a crime with a delay or no suspect. Only call 9-1-1 only when the safety of someone’s health or property is in jeopardy and immediate action is required by the police, fire department, or an ambulance.
- Know your location, especially if you’re calling from a cell phone. Your location is critical information to provide to the emergency operator, so be as detailed as possible about your surroundings and where you are.
- Never hang up if you dialed 9-1-1 by accident or if the situation has resolved. It’s important to stay on the line, follow instructions, and let the emergency communicator know the situation. Stay calm, speak clearly, and respond to the questions being asked.
- 9-1-1 offers help in multiple languages. If your English skills are limited, dial 9-1-1, stay on the phone, and an emergency communicator will quickly connect you with a telephone translation service.
For more information visit 9-1-1 Service.