Every day, hundreds of New Brunswickers call 9-1-1 for help.
But an increasing number of these calls are accidental, made by unlocked mobile phones in pockets or purses.
What’s more, some of the calls come from people with non-urgent problems.
An estimated 35 per cent of calls to New Brunswick 9-1-1 operators are not for real emergencies.
Every accidental and non-urgent call can steal precious time from a real emergency.
A 9-1-1 emergency is an immediate threat to your health, safety or property.
Call 9-1-1 where there is a:
9-1-1 is for emergencies only. Calling to speak with a police officer, obtaining road conditions, requesting a taxi or reporting a theft that occurred earlier in the day are not considered emergency calls. If your call is not urgent, you may be referred to a non-emergency line.
Know your location. The first question operators will ask is “Where is your emergency”. Providing a civic address, including street name and municipality will save valuable time which is critical in times of emergencies.
Don’t pocket dial. Keep your mobile phone locked with a passcode, so it doesn’t call 9-1-1 without you knowing.
