SCARBOROUGH, Maine
Calling 911 by accident happens more often than you think, especially through smart devices. It’s happening across the country and right here in Maine.
The Scarborough Police Department posted on Facebook that it’s a big problem. And it is not the only department seeing this. Dispatchers say if you accidentally make a 911 call, the most important thing is to stay on the phone and let them know you are OK.
Bill Holmes, of Cumberland County 911, says, “We only ask those callers that if they are aware of it, to stay on the line and speak with the 911 operator to tell us exactly what is or is not going on so that we can ensure that there is not an emergency, and don’t tie up those public safety resources.”
Officials say even though it ties up resources, they always take calls seriously. However, they are asking people to learn more about their smart devices to avoid these accidental calls.