Accidental Calls

Don't Hang Up
If you accidentally dial 911 don’t hang up. If you call 911, as soon as you hit the send button the call will be completed no matter how fast you hang up. Once you enter into the 911 system, you can’t get out until a PSAP answers the call.

Stay on the line and talk to the dispatcher. Explain it was an accident, answer their questions that they have to ask for documentation and you will be all set.

Wireless 911 Hang-Ups
If you hang-up after calling on a wireless/cell phone and you don’t answer on callback, but your phone plotted you with GPS coordinates, then police officers have to come and check the area and ensure no emergency assistance is required.

Landline 911 Hang-Ups
If you hang-up after calling from a landline (residence or business) and you don’t answer on callback, police will be knocking at the address listed with the phone company to ensure no emergency assistance is required.

How To Prevent Accidental Calls
The most common accidental calls are from cellular phones and they are due to being in a pocket, bag, purse, or similar. Most phones have a safety feature built in to call 911 if buttons are held long enough.

The other major issue with cellular phones are when they are given to children. Even though the phone might not have service, it’s a safety feature to have the phone always able to call 911. We call these “911 only phones” because the only number it will allow to be called is 911.

We ask for people to keep phones either protected with a cover or not left loose in bags and also batteries are removed when given to kids. Both of these things will help eliminate accidental 911 calls.