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When Every Second Counts – Know When To Call
The Importance of Using 911 Properly
In times of crisis, knowing how to use emergency services effectively can make a significant difference. The 911 system is a critical lifeline designed to provide immediate assistance during emergencies. However, it’s essential to understand the importance of using 911 properly and to avoid making non-emergency or nuisance calls. Additionally, being aware of your local non-emergency phone numbers can help ensure that emergency services remain available for those who truly need them.
Why Proper Use of 911 Matters
- Saving Lives: The primary purpose of 911 is to save lives. When you call 911, you are connected to trained professionals who can dispatch police, fire, or medical services to your location quickly. Misusing this service can delay help for someone in a genuine emergency.
- Efficient Resource Allocation: Emergency services have limited resources. Non-emergency calls can tie up these resources, preventing them from being available for real emergencies. This can lead to slower response times and potentially tragic outcomes.
- Legal Consequences: Making false or prank calls to 911 is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. It’s important to understand that these actions are taken seriously and can have long-lasting consequences.
What Constitutes a 911 Emergency?
A 911 emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department, or medical services. Examples include:
- Fires
- Crimes in prgress
- Serious car accidents
- Medical emergencies (eg., heart attach, severe injury)
If you are unsure whether your situation is an emergency, it’s better to err on the side of caution and call 911. The dispatcher can help determine if emergency services are needed.
Avoiding Non-Emergency Calls
Non-emergency situations should be directed to local non-emergency phone numbers. These can include:
- Noise complaints
- Minor car accidents without injuries
- Lost or found property
- General inquiries about local services
Knowing your local non-emergency numbers can help keep 911 lines open for true emergencies. Many communities provide these numbers on their official websites or through local government offices.
How to Find Your Local Non-Emergency Numbers
Department Non-Emergency Number Website Bancroft O.P.P. Detachment 613-332-2112 www.opp.ca Town of Bancroft 613-332-3331 www.bancroft.ca Bancroft Fire Department 613-332-2442 www.bancroftfire.ca Municipality of Hastings Highlands 613-338-2811 www.hastingshighlands.ca Hastings Highlands Fire Dept. 613-338-2811 Ext 313 www.hastingshighlands.ca Faraday Township 613-332-3638 www.faraday.ca Faraday Fire Department 613-332-3638 www.faraday.ca Limerick Township 613-474-0478 www.limerick.ca Limerick Fire Department 613-332-8898 www.limerick.ca Wollaston Township 613-337-5731 www.wollaston.ca Wollaston Fire Department 613-337-5731 www.wollaston.ca Using 911 properly is crucial for the safety and well-being of everyone in the community. By reserving 911 for true emergencies and utilizing local non-emergency numbers for other situations, you can help ensure that emergency services are available when they are needed most. Remember, your actions can make a difference in saving lives and maintaining public safety.
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Emergency Preparedness Week, May 4th – 10th
Sunday May 4th marks the beginning of Emergency Preparedness Week, a themed week long national event supported by Public Safety Canada with the goal of raising awareness about the importance of being prepared for the worst. Everyone has a role to play in times of emergency, and with the awareness and support tools provided during this week our hope is that you will be prepared to protect yourself, your family and your community.
This years provincial theme provided by Ontario’s Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan is “Plan for every season!” This theme reflects the unique challenges facing Ontario on a seasonal basis and the opportunities to practice emergency preparedness throughout the year. Ontario’s theme complements the national theme released by Public Safety Canada: “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks!” It is important to ensure you have a plan in place BEFORE an emergency happens, so that everyone in your household will know what to do:
- Develop a plan
- Build an emergency kit that can sustain everyone in your household for at least 72 hours
- Make sure you stay informed should an emergency occur
Check out some of the activities available under the “Emergency Preparedness” drop down above. There is a link to view and download 2024’s Emergency Preparedness Guide provided by the County of Hastings, brochures and flyers which you can read, and even activity booklets, colouring books and games for kids which you can download and print! Take the opportunity this week to have a sit down with your family and do some of the activities together, and check your 72 hour emergency kit to ensure your supplies are good to go. It’s always better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it!
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April is BeADonor Month
Bancroft Fire Department is proud to support and promote Organ and Tissue Donation!
In Ontario, anyone 16 years or older with a valid Ontario health card can register to become an organ and tissue donor through ServiceOntario. It’s a simple process that could save lives. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Register Your Consent: Visit the BeADonor website and provide your basic information, including your date of birth and health card number. Your decision is private and securely stored in the Ministry of Health’s database. It’s only shared with Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network) after all lifesaving efforts have been exhausted.
Remember only about 1–2% of deaths occur in such a way that donation is possible. By registering, you can make a profound impact on the lives of many Ontarians.
Let’s spread awareness and encourage more people to Be A Donor!
Learn more and register: BeADonor.ca
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