Grande Prairie 911 advises caution using Emergency SOS

Since an increase in accidental 911 calls, Grande Prairie 911 is asking residents to be cautious of Emergency SOS automatic phone calls to 911.

It is suspected the increased accidental calls are linked to an Android update that turns on Emergency SOS.

Residents are being encouraged to check their settings to avoid these accidental 911 calls, and if one does happen, stay on the line.

Deputy Chief of Communications with the Grande Prairie Fire Department Mark VanWerkhoven said in a release, ” Accidental 911 calls happen, if you find yourself accidentally dialing 911, do not hang up. 911 operators have a responsibility to verify caller safety and well-being. If you accidentally call 911, please stay on the line, stay calm, and explain to the operator what happened.”