Editorial
“911, what is your emergency?”
“My neighbour is wearing too much cologne.”
Believe it or not, this was a call that E-Comm 911 received in 2024. Another call came from someone who complained that a box of 38 avocados they purchased was rotten.
If this was April 1, the Pioneer would have added that the fellow wearing the cologne was arrested and convicted of public mischief, followed by three months probation and counselling. And the store that sold the avocados? A fine and letter of apology to the consumer and the Retail Council of Canada.
All joking aside, using 911 for anything other than real emergencies could cost a life by taking valuable time away from a heart attack patient or someone trapped in a burning vehicle.
First off, 911 should never be used for general questions, consumer complaints or grievances. While some situations may feel urgent at the time, 911 is not the appropriate number to call if your power goes out or you require tech support, according to E-Comm, which handles approximately two million calls per year.
Strange but true, here are the top 10 calls that should never have been made to 911 last year:
• My neighbour is wearing too much cologne.
• The dry cleaners stained my shirt.
• McDonald’s won’t open their doors.
• How do I get to 24/7 Shoppers Drug Mart?
• The power just went out.
• I need technical support.
• The box of 38 avocados I purchased are rotten.
• I left my phone in an Uber.
• I need help removing a wasp nest.
• There is a domesticated bunny in the park.
Many people don’t realize there is a non-emergency line (for local police) if they need help for non-urgent situations, such as suspicious behaviour in the neighbourhood.
The following are tips on the proper use of 911:
• If someone’s health, safety or property is in jeopardy, or a crime is in progress, call 911.
• Know your location at all times.
• Don’t program 911 into any phone.
• If you call 911 accidentally, stay on the line and let the call taker know it was a mistake.
• Lock and store your cellphone carefully to prevent accidental 911 calls.
• Do not text or tweet 911.
• Remember, call takers cannot transfer your non-emergency call to someone else.
For more information, visit nonemergency.ca
Lyonel Doherty, editor