Thunder Bay Police are asking the public to show a little 911 love and learn when and when not to phone the emergency service.
The notice arrived on Monday, the start of National Public Safety Telecommuncations Week, also known as National 911 Operator and Dispatcher Week.
The following is a release issued by the police service:
Most of us take police, fire and emergency dispatchers for granted, unless, of course, you have reason to call 911. At that very moment, the 911 operator/dispatcher becomes the most important person in the world, and your lifeline to safety and help.
When you call 911, there is a standard procedure that dispatchers follow - here's how you can best expedite the help you need when communicating with a 911 operator.
• Stay on the line - -don't hang up until the 911 operator says it is okay to
• Answer the questions asked - the 911 operator is sending help at the same time as gathering information for your safety and the safety of the responding emergency personnel
• If you call from a cell phone, provide your location
• If you call 911 accidentally, Don't hang up. Stay on the line and advise the 911 operator that you have dialed in error.
• Do not program 911 in your speed dials - this will help to prevent "pocket calls" from your cell phone.
People call 911 for lots of reasons, mostly legitimate. But whatever you do, show some 911 love, and please don't call 911 for non-emergencies, or for silly stuff like your McDonald's order being wrong!
