Sask911 is providing residents tips to ensure they don’t inadvertently tie up 911 resources.
Saskatchewan’s Emergency Management and Fire Safety Commissioner Duane McKay says it is important for people to know how the emergency feature works on their smartphone so that they do not accidentally call for emergency services.
For example, iPhones with newer operating systems can have their lock button clicked five times to have the option to swipe for 911. This function does not ping someone’s location to Sask911 and McKay says they have had several people call 911 this way to test the feature, which ties up resources.
Other tips including leaving a phone locked when carrying it in a bag or pocket, teaching children when to use 911 and dialing 911 instead of pre-programming it into your phone. If someone does accidentally call 911, they should stay on the line to confirm with operators that this is not a real emergency.
If a resident is in a real emergency, Sask911 says to provide a location, what services are needed, give as much detail as possible and do not hang up until the operator says so.