Fed up with your food delivery? Don't call 911

From people complaining about food delivery to calls about COVID-19, 2020 had its share of nuisance 911 calls.

E-Comm, which handles 99 per cent of B.C.'s emergency calls, released its Top 10 reasons not to call 911 on Wednesday.

The annual list is a reminder to residents that 911 calls are to be reserved for emergencies only, and that calling for a non-urgent concern puts lives at risk.

In addition to the increase of pandemic-related inquiries that tied up 911 lines in 2020, E-Comm call-takers also dealt with the usual consumer complaints such as cars that can't start, bank cards that are stuck in ATMs and callers wondering about the time.

E-Comm call-taker Megan McMath answered the No. 1 call on this year's list, which was a complaint about a food delivery driver not delivering their meal.

In a statement, she says general complaints on the emergency line that aren't police, fire or ambulance matters divert critical resources from people in real emergencies.

“Calling 911 to ask a question or report a consumer complaint may seem harmless enough,” said McMath. “But, what people may not realize is that we need to treat every call as an emergency, until we can determine otherwise.

“That means that every moment we spend responding to general questions, concerns or complaints takes away from our priority — helping people who need help right away.”

Here is E-Comm's Top 10 reasons not to call 911 for 2020:

1. Complaining that their food delivery driver didn't deliver their meal.

2. Inquiring if there is a full lockdown for COVID-19.

3. Wondering if having a trampoline is illegal during COVID-19.

4. Asking for assistance to apply for CERB.

5. Complaining that the mattress they had purchased second-hand was more soiled than advertised.

6. Reporting that their bank card was stuck in the ATM.

7. Reporting their neighbour for smoking in a non-smoking building.

8. Inquiring about how to enter a career in law enforcement.

9. Confirming the time.

10. Asking for help because they were locked out of their car.

E-Comm is also reminding people that if they want to report public health violations they should contact a local bylaw office or police non-emergency line.

In Vancouver, residents can call 311 or report their concern online.

Those who think they might have COVID-19 in B.C. should call 811 to assess whether to go for a test.