News release: April 8, 2024
April 8 to 12 is 9-1-1 Awareness Week in Peel
43 per cent of 9-1-1 calls are not emergencies
Brampton, ON. (April 8, 2024) – During 9-1-1 Awareness Week, we recognize our first responders — emergency communicators, Fire, Police and Paramedics – for saving lives and helping residents in immediate need. We are also reminding Peel residents to call 9-1-1 only for emergencies.
In 2023, just over 900,000 calls or nearly half of all calls to 9-1-1 were for non-emergencies. They were misuse, hang-ups, short duration (accidents) or test calls to the 9-1-1 system. These calls take up valuable time and resources and can potentially prevent first responders from attending to real emergencies.
Call 9-1-1 only when someone needs immediate help from Paramedics, Police and Fire. To prevent accidental calls, lock your cell phones and do not program 9-1-1 into your phones. In addition, teach children how to use 9-1-1 correctly and how to recognize an emergency.
Call these numbers for non–emergencies
- Call 311 for local municipal government (city or town) concerns, or to get information on municipal programs and services.
- Call 811 to get answers to general health questions and concerns.
- Call 211 for community-based health, social, and government services.
- Call Police non-emergency telephone numbers:
- Peel region – 905-453-3311
- Town of Caledon – 905-584-2241
- Caledon Village – 519-927-3041
- Call Peel Regional Paramedic Services non-emergency number:
- 905-791-7800 ext. 3951, or
- email paramedicservices@peelregion.ca
- Call Fire non-emergency numbers:
- Mississauga – 905-456-5700
- Brampton – 905-456-5788
- Caledon – 905-584-2272
Quotations
As we mark 9-1-1 Awareness Week, on behalf of Peel Regional Council, I am proud to recognize the hard work of emergency service providers and first responders in Peel who save lives every single day and support us in our weakest moments. We thank them wholeheartedly for their heroic efforts. 9-1-1 Awareness Week is also an important reminder for everyone to use 9-1-1 properly. Only call 9-1-1 when there is an emergency, so our first responders can get to those who need help faster.
Nando Iannicca, Peel Regional Chair.
Media contact
Haide Hall
Communication Coordinator
Region of Peel
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
