Posted July 30, 2023
Have you ever accidentally dialed 911? It’s an increasingly easy mistake to make now that most smart phones are equipped with “SOS” features and shortcuts to utilize in the case of emergency. These “smart” features can save lives during emergency situations but have also led to an increasing load of 911 calls where the caller immediately hangs up or does not realize that they called 911 at all.
When this happens, what should you do? Here are a few helpful tips about accidental 911 calls:
- If you accidentally call 911, DO NOT HANG UP! Stay on the line to inform the dispatcher that the call was made by mistake so that they can confirm there is no emergency. If you hang up, 911 will attempt to call you back and emergency responders may be dispatched to your location if the dispatcher was unable to confirm there was not an emergency.
- Did you know that deactivated phones, often used by kids for gaming, may still have the ability to call 911? Make sure your kids know this important fact so that they can call 911 in case of emergency and to ensure that they ONLY do so in case of emergency.
- Many smart watches also include SOS capabilities and may call 911 in certain situations. These features can sometimes activate without the user realizing they have done so.
- Both Apple IOS and Android devices offer automated SOS features that can be adjusted. They are intended to automatically call 911 in the case of a car crash or other high impact event. Check your phone settings to adjust if the sensitivity of this feature, especially if this has ever activated on your device by mistake.
- Thrill rides like roller coasters have been known to activate these automated SOS features. Consider leaving your phone in a locker or place in “airplane mode” the next time you are considering a “rough” theme park ride.