‘911 is not a joke’ OPP receives dozens of calls in one hour, no emergency

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is encouraging parents and caregivers to speak to their children about the importance of 911 and when it should be called.

The reminder comes after police in Norfolk County received roughly 25 calls within an hour on Monday.

Police determined the calls came from an invalid number, however it appears the signal for the phone used was in the area of Metcalf St. in Simcoe.

Officers attended the area several times but did not locate anyone having an emergency.

OPP is reminding parents that children should not be given inactive phones as a toy as they can still call 911.

Police say it is important to teach children how to contact police should an emergency happen.

OPP has offered the following tips to help train children how to properly use 911.

• Train children early. If the child is able to communicate verbally, they are old enough to use 911. A good age is about 3 or 4. Parents must judge their own child’s level of appreciation and understanding of 911.
• Avoid prank calls. It is important to emphasize that 911 is not a joke. Children should avoid calling 911 leisurely.
• Help children identify an emergency. Older children can usually detect problems; however, smaller children may need parents to demonstrate or explain. Parents should explain and teach what emergency situations qualify for the use of 911.
• Practice. Practice sessions are very effective in helping children grasp the concept of 911. Before dialing, make sure the phone is unplugged so as not to accidentally connect to a live operator.
• Conveniently position the phone. In order for children to dial 911 in an emergency, they must have easy access to the phone. Thus, it helps to keep at least one phone in the home at a child’s arm length.
• Home address. Training children in the use of 911 can save a life. However, it helps if children also know their street address. While teaching children the basics of 911, parents should use this as an opportunity to teach children their home address and telephone number.