B.C.’s 9-1-1 operators expect high call volumes heading toward Halloween

B.C.’s 9-1-1 call operators are expecting a significant increase in call volumes over the Halloween weekend.

E-Comm spokesperson Carly Paice says the service has seen a 10 per cent uptick in calls recently compared to last year and expects call volume to continue rising through the weekend and up until Tuesday, Oct. 31.

“Generally the weekend leading up to [Halloween] we see an increase in calls in terms of the number of noise complaints from parties. We also see a lot of reporting of fireworks-related issues,” she said.

“Those types of reports are best directed to our non-emergency lines … those are the type of calls that really shouldn’t be coming in for the 9-1-1 system.”

Paice says the service is increasing staff during this expected busy period in order to help with call volumes. However, she’s urging people to do what they can to keep 9-1-1 lines open for real emergencies.

She says people can help out by keeping their cell phones locked when they aren’t using them. This can hopefully prevent any accidental pocket dials. In the event of an accidental call, Paice asks you to stay on the line to ensure operators can rule out any emergency situations you might be in.

In the event of any stolen decorations, Paice says to direct those calls to E-Comm’s non-emergency line or online reporting service.