 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
Print | YORK REGION>Services>Emergency Management>Learn more |
|
 |
|||||||||||
Calling 9-1-1 |
|
||||||||
|
|||||||||
Download our 9-1-1 Information Brochure by clicking on the following links: Proper use of the 9-1-1 emergency telephone number During an emergency, residents may become overwhelmed and may tie up the emergency service with non-emergency calls. Please use the system correctly. If the service is flooded with non-emergency calls, then true emergency calls will have more difficulty getting through Do NOT call 9-1-1: · To locate relatives · To ask about the availability of gas at local pumps · To find out the location or availability of shelters and other services These calls, though important, could be handled through the non-emergency numbers listed below. Using the non-emergency numbers leaves the 9-1-1 service available to handle the calls it was designed to serve. When should you call 9-1-1? · To report downed power lines · To report criminal activity · To report injuries and life-threatening emergencies · To report fire In a situation like a power outage, where there is no immediate danger to human health or property non-emergency numbers can be used. In an emergency, your cellular phone can be a lifeline. But there are a few facts you need to know before you dial 9-1-1: · York Region 9-1-1 Call Takers respond to about 780 calls every 12-hour shift and it is estimated that half of those calls come from cell phones. Unlike a wired household or business "landline" phone, when you make a 9-1-1 call from your cellular phone, Call Takers DO NOT receive the address from where the call originated. When you make a 9-1-1 call from a cellular phone, you need to be able to give the Call Taker: · Your cellular phone number (many people do not have their cellular phone number memorized. Make sure you have the number written down in an easy to find location) · A good description of your surroundings (the name of the road you are traveling on, which direction you are headed, the name of the town or city you are in, and any other details that might assist the Call Taker in determining your exact location)
"Lock" Your Phone Keys! Many cell phone users are unaware that some cell phones leave the factory with a pre-programmed emergency function that can be accidentally pressed if the phone's key-guard is not used. Unintentional 9-1-1 calls typically occur when an auto-9-1-1 feature is unknowingly activated by pressure on either the 1 or 9 button. This results in calls which unnecessarily tie up emergency equipment and personnel. This feature can be deactivated – check the owner's manual for instructions on how to deactivate this feature, or "lock" the phone keys. What should I teach my child about dialing 9-1-1? While many children are familiar with dialing 9-1-1 in an emergency situation, they often do not know other important information, such as their address or how to reach a parent at work. Here is some of the most important information children need to know about calling 9-1-1: · HOW and WHEN to dial 9-1-1 · The name of your employer and phone number · Teach your children to pay attention to their surroundings – this is especially important when making a 9-1-1 call from a cellular phone · Speak to your children about any possible emergency situation likely to occur at your home. For example, if a member of the family has a heart condition of experiences seizures, talk to your children about how to identify symptoms that would necessitate calling 9-1-1 for help · Reinforce the message that calling 9-1-1 is for police, fire or medical emergencies ONLY. Explain that 9-1-1 is not a toy or a game, and should never be played with unless it is actually needed · At the same time, avoid discouraging a child from using 9-1-1 altogether. Tell them that it's OK to call 9-1-1 if they're not sure if their situation is a real emergency. If there's any doubt, let the 9-1-1 Call Taker will determine whether it's a real emergency |
