Surrey RCMP has issued a warning to the public after a significant increase in abandoned 911 calls. The police department is urging residents to stay on the line when calling 911, as these abandoned calls can potentially delay response times for emergencies.
According to Surrey RCMP, there has been a surge in abandoned 911 calls in recent weeks. These calls are made when someone dials 911 but hangs up before speaking to a dispatcher. While some of these calls may be accidental, others may be made by individuals who are not in need of emergency assistance.
Sergeant Elenore Sturko, spokesperson for Surrey RCMP, emphasized the importance of staying on the line when calling 911. She stated, “When someone hangs up after dialing 911, it creates a lot of extra work for our dispatchers and can potentially delay response times for those who are in need of immediate help.”
Sturko also noted that abandoned 911 calls can tie up emergency lines, preventing others from getting through during a real emergency. This can have serious consequences for those who are in need of urgent assistance.
In order to address this issue, Surrey RCMP is reminding the public to only call 911 in case of a real emergency. If a call is made accidentally, it is important to stay on the line and inform the dispatcher that it was a mistake. This will prevent unnecessary resources from being deployed and ensure that emergency lines are available for those who truly need them.
The police department is also urging parents to educate their children about the proper use of 911. Many abandoned calls are made by young children who may not understand the seriousness of the situation. By teaching children about the appropriate use of 911, parents can help prevent these incidents from occurring.
In conclusion, Surrey RCMP is asking the public to be responsible when it comes to calling 911. By staying on the line and only using the emergency number in case of a real emergency, we can ensure that resources are available for those who truly need them. Let us all do our part in keeping our community safe and efficient.
