(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Norfolk County Detachments primary focus is public safety and we want to reinforce to the public the importance of the proper use of the 9-1-1 system
When people need emergency assistance, dialing 9-1-1 gets immediate help under normal circumstances.
On average, it takes at least two officers approximately thirty minutes to respond, investigate and clear the call. This puts enormous pressure on OPP resources when officers respond to unnecessary calls that can be prevented.
On Thursday, May 9, 2019, at approximately 9:42 p.m., officers attended an address in Simcoe, Norfolk County after a 12 year-old boy called 9-1-1. It was determined that a parent asked their son to get off the internet and to help wash some dishes when their child became upset and contacted 9-1-1. Officers attended that address and were informed that the young boy wanted police to find him a new family. The OPP are reminding all parents and caregivers to speak to their children about the importance of 9-1-1 and to explain that it should only be called for emergencies only.
The use of 9-1-1 for emergency response continues to save lives when used appropriately and the OPP want those who need urgent help to use 9-1-1. The OPP also encourages families to discuss proper use of 9-1-1 to prevent hang ups and misdials from occurring.
What you can do to prevent misdials:
Make sure you know the number you are dialling
Lock your cell phone number pad
Teach your children the proper use of 9-1-1
If you dial 9-1-1 by mistake, do not hang up. Stay on the phone so the dispatcher can ascertain your safety and let them know it was a mistake.
The OPP is urging all Norfolk County residents to use 9-1-1 when there is an emergency.
Please do not call 9-1-1 about a power outage or to inquire about road conditions or if you have a sick raccoon on your property or to order food. This is NOT an emergency. Residents are being asked to contact 1-888-310-1122 for all non-emergent calls for service.
