Someone wearing too much cologne or complaining about power outages is not a valid reason to call 911.
E-Comm, the organization responsible for handling around two million 9-1-1 calls annually, has released its annual list of unusual calls received in 2024 to remind the public of the importance of reserving 9-1-1 for emergencies only.
The list highlights non-urgent matters, from complaints about dry cleaning to requests for directions, that do not belong on the emergency line.
According to Laura, an E-Comm Police Call Taker, while some callers may feel their situation is urgent, using 9-1-1 for non-emergencies takes precious time away from those facing life-threatening situations.
“We must treat every call as an emergency until we know otherwise,” she said. “Each second spent on a non-urgent call is time we could be helping someone in need of immediate assistance.”
The following are the top ten most unusual reasons people called 9-1-1 in 2024:
- Their neighbour was wearing too much cologne
- The dry cleaners had stained their shirt
- McDonald’s refused to open their doors
- They wanted directions to a 24/7 Shoppers Drug Mart
- Complaints about a power outage
- Requesting technical support
- A box of 38 avocados they bought was rotten
- They left their phone in an Uber
- Requesting help with a wasp nest
- Reporting a domesticated-looking bunny in the park
E-Comm reminds the public that 9-1-1 is reserved for situations where immediate action is required, such as police, fire, or medical emergencies. Non-urgent matters, including customer complaints or general inquiries, should be directed to the appropriate resources like local police non-emergency lines or relevant businesses.
Police Call Taker Kuzivakwashe added, “Most people use 9-1-1 responsibly, and we want the public to continue calling when they need help during a real emergency. However, directing non-urgent calls elsewhere helps ensure our call takers are available to respond to those in crisis.”
Tips for Proper Use of 9-1-1
- Use 9-1-1 only for police, fire, or medical emergencies when immediate action is required
- Know your location at all times
- Avoid programming 9-1-1 into any phone.
- If you call 9-1-1 accidentally, stay on the line and inform the operator
- Store your cellphone securely to prevent accidental 9-1-1 calls
- Do not text or tweet 9-1-1
- Non-emergency calls cannot be transferred from 9-1-1; for non-urgent matters, visit nonemergency.ca for a list of appropriate resources.
By following these guidelines and using 9-1-1 appropriately, the public can help ensure that emergency lines remain clear for those in urgent need of help.
