When to call 9-1-1
Call 9-1-1 only for emergencies that require an immediate police, fire, or paramedic response. This means someone’s health or safety is in danger, a crime is happening right now, or a fire is spreading. Every minute you spend on a non-emergency call takes an operator away from a person in real danger.
For non-emergency police matters, such as reporting a noise complaint, a barking dog, or a crime that happened in the past, call the Wrenford Police Service at 519-555-0102 or visit report a by-law issue.
Accidental calls
Modern phones make it easy to dial 9-1-1 by mistake. Even if your screen is locked, you can still place a call. If you accidentally dial 9-1-1, do not hang up. Stay on the line and tell the operator it was an accident. If you hang up, the 9-1-1 communications centre will call you back. If they cannot reach you, they may send officers to check on your safety.
Text with 9-1-1
Text with 9-1-1 (T9-1-1) is a service designed for residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech impairment. It allows you to communicate with 9-1-1 operators using text messaging on a wireless device.
- How it works: You must dial 9-1-1 first to establish a connection. The operator will then switch to text messaging. You cannot simply send a text message to the numbers 9-1-1 without calling first.
- Registration: The service is free, but you must register with your wireless service provider before you need it. Contact your provider for setup instructions.
- Language support: Operators will do their best to respond in English or French, but bilingual service is not always guaranteed.
- Device requirements: You need an active wireless plan and a compatible phone (typically 3G or 4G). You must unlock your keypad to send or receive texts.
Text with 9-1-1 is not for the general public. Voice calling is faster and more reliable for most emergencies. Text messaging can be delayed, and it takes longer for operators to gather details through text.
Legal penalties
Calling 9-1-1 for a frivolous or vexatious reason is an offence under the Ontario Emergency 911 Act. If you are found guilty, you can be fined up to $5,000 for a first offence, or up to $10,000 for a subsequent offence. You may also face charges under the Criminal Code for mischief. Please use this service responsibly to keep our community safe.
Keep emergency numbers handy
Save the Wrenford Police Service non-emergency line (519-555-0102) and the City’s 311 service line in your phone. This ensures you can quickly reach the right service without tying up emergency 9-1-1 operators.