City of Waterloo Joins Province-Wide Campaign to Combat 9-1-1 Misuse

The City of Waterloo is supporting the first-ever provincewide campaign launched today to continue the battle against 9-1-1 misuse. The provincial Emergency Services Steering Committee (ESSC) launched the campaign called “When Every Second Counts.” The campaign aims to reduce non-emergency 9-1-1 calls by educating the public on proper 9-1-1 usage, promoting awareness of alternative non-emergency numbers, and highlighting the consequences of misuse.

"9-1-1 is for life-threatening or health-related emergencies yet across the province, Ontarians continue to call 9-1-1 for everything from boredom, to a failed restaurant order, to a TV that isn’t working!" said Nancy Polsinelli, member of the ESSC Steering Committee and Commissioner of Health Services at the Region of Peel. "In other instances, calls are made for non-emergency vehicular collisions, medical issues, and bylaw issues – where other contacts and resources are available but the public may not be familiar with them. This type of misuse can be the difference between life and death when someone can’t get through to 9-1-1 because the line is busy."

9-1-1 operators across Ontario are under enormous strain to manage ever-growing call volumes. Many police services across Ontario report 9-1-1 call demand is increasing rapidly, and that about half of all 9-1-1 calls are non-emergency calls: pocket-dials, hang-ups, and many that are frivolous or even vexatious.

"Despite some improvement, 9-1-1 misuse and a lack of understanding of what number to call for what type of situation continues to be a challenge," said Hon. Michael S. Kerzner, Ontario Solicitor General. "This campaign gives the public the knowledge and resources to know who to call and when, so they can get the right support. We know the vast majority of Ontarians want to do the right thing and keep the lines clear for all of us so they’re available when we need them."

As part of the "When Every Second Counts" campaign, taking place alongside Emergency Preparedness Week, residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with alternative non-emergency numbers:

• For non-urgent police matters, call the Waterloo Regional Police Services non-emergency line at 519-570-9777, or use the online reporting form. 
• For City of Waterloo complaints, use the directory to report an issue by phone, including bylaw complaints at 519-747-8785, or report an issue online.  
• For non-urgent health advice, call Health Connect Ontario at 811 or 1-866-797-0000.  
• For mental health support, call the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline.

For more info about the campaign visit www.wheneverysecondcounts.ca

ESSC
The Emergency Services Steering Committee (ESSC) is a joint committee of the municipalities that comprise the Big City Mayors of Ontario (BCMO) and the Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario (MARCO). ESSC membership includes the Chief Administrative Officers or City Managers of regions and municipalities involved in emergency services and municipal budgets, and provides advocacy, background information, and research on all issues relating to emergency service costs.

-30-

MEDIA CONTACT

Karman Wong
KAPOW Communications
karman@kapowcomms.com
(416) 880-1333

Karen Kaur
KAPOW Communications
karen@kapowcomms.com
(226) 973-3566