Woman calls 911 after being told to stop playing video games

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding the public about the proper use of the 911 system after a woman in Norfolk County called police after being told to stop playing video games.

Police responded to an address in Delhi on Dec. 27 after a 25-year-old woman called 911. Police said the woman's parent had questioned her about spending money on video games, which made her upset.

As a result, police "are reminding all parents and caregivers to speak to their children, regardless of their age about the proper use of 911 and to explain that it should only be called for emergencies."

Police said any call ties up about two police officers for 30 minutes, which puts an enormous pressure on resources.

"Whether false alarms are intentional or unintentional, they tie up the phone lines at the communications centre, waste taxpayer money, tie up law enforcement officersand threaten lives," said Const. Ed Sanchuk.

The OPP also reminded people to look into preventing hang ups and misdials from happening. Police offered the following tips to prevent misdials:

• Make sure you know the number you are dialling
• Lock your cell phone number pad
• Teach your children the proper use of 911
• If you dial 911 by mistake, do not hang up.Stay on the phone so the dispatcher can ascertain your safety and let them know it was a mistake.

Police also said people should avoid calling 911 to inquire about power outages, road conditions, food delivery or animals roaming in the neighbourhood.

Residents are asked to contact 1-888-310-1122 for all non-emergencycalls for service.