RCMP warning of increase in prank 911 calls

The RCMP is reporting an increase in prank 9-1-1 calls from youth.

While it may seem harmless practical joke, it creates a serious public safety risk, with repercussions that can include criminal charges.

9-1-1 in for an emergency only. Prank calls pose significant risks to the public, such as diverting critical resources away from actual life-threatening situations, delaying response times, and undermining public trust in the 9-1-1 service.

Parents, caregivers and educators are urged to remind youth that 9-1-1 should only be used in an emergency when immediate help is required from emergency services. It is also important to note that when a child is given a cellular phone without a SIM card or voice plan, the phone is still able to call 9-1-1.