There are plenty of reasons to call 911. This isn't one of them.
A Toronto woman is fed up with hearing reports of people calling 911 to complain that an Amber Alert woke them up.
Dalia Monacelli wants to do something about it.
She launched a petition at Change.org last week, calling on the government to start handing out fines to those who tie up 911 lines unnecessarily. As of Monday morning, it had nearly 56,000 signatures.
In her petition, Monacelli writes, "People have to understand that when they dial 9-1-1, they are taking time and personnel away from actual emergencies and that these actions could COST LIVES!"
Amber Alert complaints aren't the only unnecessary calls dispatchers take.
Over the weekend, Peel Police say someone called 911 to complain about an ice cream truck that was parked outside their home.
It’s hot outside which means the ice cream trucks will probably be out. If the ice cream truck stops in front of your house & is there for a bit due to all the children, it’s still not a reason to call 9-1-1 to complain. If you have a complaint about ice cream trucks, call 3-1-1.
— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPoliceMedia) July 21, 2019