Tecumseh Fire & Rescue Services Joins First-Ever Provincewide Campaign to Combat 9-1-1 Misuse

Tecumseh Fire & Rescue Services Joins First-Ever Provincewide Campaign to Combat 9-1-1 Misuse

Tecumseh, ON – Tecumseh Fire & Rescue Services has joined the first-ever provincewide campaign to tackle 9-1-1 misuse, an issue that continues to strain emergency services. The Emergency Services Steering Committee (ESSC) has launched the "When Every Second Counts" campaign aimed at reducing non-emergency 9-1-1 calls and educating the public on proper use of 9-1-1.

“9-1-1 is for life-threatening or urgent emergencies, yet we continue to see calls made for reasons ranging from minor inconveniences to non-emergency situations that can be handled through other channels,” said Wade Bondy, Tecumseh Fire Chief. “Calls for lost items, noise complaints, or even pocket dials take time away from real emergencies. It’s critical that we ensure 9-1-1 lines remain open for those in urgent need.”

In Tecumseh, a large percentage of 911 calls received are for non-emergency related incidents. Across Ontario, police services report that nearly half of all 9-1-1 calls are for non-emergencies, including accidental dials, hang-ups, and frivolous inquiries.

As part of the "When Every Second Counts" campaign, residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with alternative non-emergency numbers such as 211 for social assistance and resources, and the OPP non-emergency number 888-310-1122.

For more information about the campaign and resources on proper emergency call usage, visit www.tecumseh.ca.