‘Wi-Fi at a local coffee shop isn’t working,’ and nine other reasons not to call 9-1-1

9-1-1 is an essential service to Canadians. There have been several reports over the years that revealed how pocket dials costs millions in taxpayers dollars, or that people simply call operators for the wrong reasons.

E-Comm, the largest 9-1-1 call centre in British Columbia, received about 2,400 unnecessary 9-1-1 calls in 2014 and to bring awareness that “9-1-1 is a life-line, not an information line,” it’s released its annual top 10 reasons not to call them.

This year saw “Wi-Fi at a local coffee shop isn’t working” take the gold medal. “We’re here to help people with real emergencies,” says E-Comm 9-1-1 call-taker Warner Yang, “If someone calls 9-1-1 about internet problems that means I’m not available to help someone who really needs it.”

Other top ten reasons to not call 9-1-1 include:

– “What’s the fine for jay walking?”
– Pizza not fresh; wants a replacement slice
– “What’s the number for my travel agency?”
– Caller phoned 9-1-1 to ask for a taxi referral
– “Is today a stat holiday?”
– Food they ordered is cold
– Wants help finding lost glasses
– Home Internet is not working
– “What’s the date today?”

E-Comm spokesperson Jody Robertson, said, “We hope our message that 9-1-1 call-takers cannot answer questions about how long power outages will last, when the clocks turn back, or other non-emergency questions, will help reduce these kinds of calls and keep the lines open for real emergencies.”