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‘Hello, 9-1-1? Can you fix my broken Wi-Fi?’

E-Comm, the province’s largest 9-1-1 call centre, has released the 2014 Top 10 reasons to not call the emergency line

Kamloops This Week

Next time, make your own darn pizza.

E-Comm, the province’s largest 9-1-1 call centre, has released the 2014 Top 10 reasons to not call the emergency line.

And, yes, complaining about the quality of your pizza made the Top 10.

“Our staff are trained to treat every call that comes through our centre as a valid emergency, until they determine otherwise, no matter what the circumstance,” E-Comm spokeswoman Jody Robertson said.

“Even if the reason for the call seems absurd on the surface, 9-1-1 call-takers need to take time to determine exactly what’s going on and whether someone genuinely needs help.

“Calls about Internet access and cold food are a serious drain on emergency resources.”

This year’s top reason not to call 9-1-1? Wi-Fi at a local coffee shop isn’t working.

“We’re here to help people with real emergencies,” said E-Comm 9-1-1 call-taker Warner Yang, recipient of this year’s top nuisance call.

“If someone calls 9-1-1 about Internet problems, that means I’m not available to help someone who really needs it.”

Approximately 2,600 9-1-1 calls per day were placed to E-Comm in 2014.

Here are the Top 10 reasons to not call 9-1-1, based on actual calls received last year:

1. Wi-Fi at a local coffee shop isn’t working

2. “What’s the fine for jay walking?”

3. Pizza not fresh; wants a replacement slice

4. “What’s the number for my travel agency?”

5. Caller phoned 9-1-1 to ask for a taxi referral

6. “Is today a stat holiday?”

7. Food they ordered is cold

8. Wants help finding lost glasses

9. Home Internet is not working

10. “What’s the date today?”