Sask. RCMP release list of bizarre 911 calls

Misplaced the telephone number for SaskEnergy – or perhaps you simply need to call a taxi?

It might be best to try Google first before calling 911.

But that’s exactly what some people did. On Thursday, Saskatchewan RCMP released a list of bizarre calls it received to dispatch in 2016.

Here are the very real reasons why people called 911:

• because they needed a cab.
• because they were cleaning their house yesterday, and think they accidentally threw out a small propane tank and is afraid it may explode.
• advising they were trying to get the phone number for SaskEnergy.
• called to wish members a Merry Christmas and needed an area code.
• because their neighbour had an outdoor Christmas light projection display lighting up the side of their home and it bothered them.
• asking police to find out their online friend’s addresses so they could send them Christmas cards.
• because their furnace would not stop running.
• because there was no heat in the bar.
• someone was looking for a serviceman and wanted a new phone.
• someone wanted to find out when their friend would be released from police custody.

The RCMP doesn’t want to discourage the use of 911, but officers are sending a reminder that the number is an emergency line and should be used only in an emergency situation.