Calling 9-1-1 is only for emergencies, not complaining about overripe avocados.

British Columbia's E-Comm, which handles approximately two million 9-1-1 calls each year, has released its annual top 10 unusual calls that are never reasons to call 9-1-1.

Whether looking for a 24/7 pharmacy, dissatisfied with dry cleaning or offended by a neighbourB次元官网网址檚 cologne, general questions, consumer complaints and lifestyle grievances do not belong on 9-1-1, E Comm noted in a release, sent to raise awareness of the importance of keeping 9-1-1 lines for emergencies only.

B次元官网网址淲e understand that some of these situations might feel urgent to the individual in the moment, but 9-1-1 is not the appropriate number to call if your power goes out or you require tech support,B次元官网网址� says E-Comm police call taker Laura, in the release. B次元官网网址淲e must treat every call as an emergency until we know otherwise and each second we spend responding to a call that does not belong on 9-1-1 is time we could be getting help to someone in a life-threatening emergency.B次元官网网址�

The Top 10 list of calls that did NOT belong on 9-1-1 in 2024 include:

B次元官网网址� Their neighbour was wearing too much cologne

B次元官网网址� The dry cleaners stained their shirt

B次元官网网址� McDonald's wouldnB次元官网网址檛 open their doors

B次元官网网址� They wanted directions to a 24/7 Shoppers Drug Mart

B次元官网网址� Complaining the power was out

B次元官网网址� Requesting technical support

B次元官网网址� The box of 38 avocados they purchased were rotten

B次元官网网址� They left their phone in an Uber

B次元官网网址� Requesting help removing a wasp nest

B次元官网网址� There was a domesticated-looking bunny in the park

E-Comm is asking everyone to do their part by helping keep 9-1-1 lines free for in-progress crimes or emergencies that require immediate help from police, fire or ambulance only.

B次元官网网址淢ost people do use 9-1-1 responsibly, and we absolutely want the public to call for help when they need it in an emergency,B次元官网网址� said police call taker Kuzivakwashe. B次元官网网址淏y directing your non-urgent calls to the appropriate resources such as your local police non-emergency line, you are helping to ensure our call takers are available for real emergency situations.B次元官网网址�

Tips on proper use of 9-1-1 include:

B次元官网网址� 9B次元官网网址�1B次元官网网址�1 is for police, fire or medical emergencies when immediate action is required: someoneB次元官网网址檚 health, safety or property is in jeopardy or a crime is in progress

B次元官网网址� Know your location at all times

B次元官网网址� DonB次元官网网址檛 program 9B次元官网网址�1B次元官网网址�1 into any phone

B次元官网网址� If you call 9B次元官网网址�1B次元官网网址�1 accidentally, stay on the line and let them know

B次元官网网址� Lock and store your cellphone carefully to prevent accidental 9-1-1 calls

B次元官网网址� Do not text or tweet 9-1-1