More than 1,000 false 911 calls in Ford County

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Ford County dispatchers have a problem. Too many people are calling 911 accidentally.

They say they have taken 1,061 accidental 911 calls since the start of the year. That is about 300 a month.

Ford County Emergency Communications wants people to know how easily it happens and not hang up if it does happen.

“This is a more common occurrence than you might think. Pressing buttons on the side of your phone, watch, and in some car systems – certain buttons will dial 911. Please stay on the line and let the dispatcher know that it was an accident,” officials said on social media .

People who hang up will get a follow-up call from the dispatcher. The dispatcher must ensure the caller is safe and that it was an accident.

Ford County also wants parents to know that some old cellphones can still dial 911. So, if you let children play with an old phone, the child could accidentally call 911.

“We’ve spoken to several children/babies over the years, who are playing with the phone,” Ford County Emergency Communications said.

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