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   MrFF says:

   911 is (not) a joke

   Despite what rap group Public Enemy claimed in 1990, 911 is not a joke. Though they were referring to the lack of response to emergency calls in a black neighborhood, the general idea is the same — 911 is not a number you call for amusement or trivial reasons.

   Of course, most of us know good reasons to call 911 — medical emergencies, fires, crimes in progress or just committed, car accidents, suspicious persons near your home or vehicle, and so on. But what constitutes a bad reason to call?

   Do not call (911) list

   In all honesty, there are so many bad reasons to call 911, it would be difficult to list them all before the end of the century. Let me go ahead and touch on a few of the more common — and hopefully obvious ones, then we’ll look at some of the more ridiculous reasons people have called 911 — both for amusement and educational purposes.

   Bad reasons to call 911

   • You need a phone number. This is what 411 is for.
   • When the power goes out. Call the utility company.
   • To ask a general question of the fire or police departments. Call their non-emergency number.
   • To report theft or vandalism after the suspect is gone.
   • To get a cat out of a tree. Call the fire department non-emergency number.
   • To practice calling 911. Either yourself, or your kids. Just don’t.
   • As a joke. I sincerely hope this doesn’t need explaining.
   • To ask about government services.
   • To pay a traffic or parking ticket.
   • Because you’re bored.

   Worse reasons to call 911

   Sadly, these are all real.

   • You’re “locked inside your car.”
   • You didn’t get your Chicken McNuggets.
   • You didn’t get enough shrimp in your fried rice.
   • Burger King has run out of lemonade.
   • You need help with your math homework.

   Really, it all comes down to common sense — which unfortunately is an uncommon virtue for many these days. 911 is for immediate emergencies involving the health and safety of human life and for the reporting of crimes in progress. Not because McDonalds ran out of fries.

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   1-29-12

   Doc Durrar says:

   In some communities, 911 calls are encouraged if you have legitimate information that could help police solve a crime. When in doubt, check for a local CrimeStoppers or similar tip line before dialing 911 — since, in this situation, you have plenty of time for a quick Google search!

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