764 accidental 911 calls in Haldimand

The Halidmand County OPP fielded 764 accidental 911 calls and responded to 301 false alarms at residences and businesses last year. The detachment is asking the public to only dial the emergency digits for true emergencies. “Responding to these calls puts a strain on resources that could have been better utilized on other calls for service,” the OPP said. “Pocket dials” from cellphones are part of the problem, police said, noting non-emergencies can be called to the OPP’s 24-hour toll-free number 1-888310-1122. If you dial 911 by mistake, don’t hang up; let the operator know you’re OK, police say.