Air Fryers and Haircuts Top E-Comm’s List of Reasons Not to Call 9-1-1

E-Comm is reminding British Columbians that 9-1-1 is for emergencies only, as it releases its annual list of the most unusual calls received by police call takers in 2025. The list highlights situations that do not require urgent police, fire, or medical attention, yet still ended up on the emergency line.

While these calls may seem unusual, every 9-1-1 call must be treated as an emergency until call takers can confirm otherwise. Handling non-urgent calls can delay assistance for people facing real emergencies.

Top 10 Unusual 9-1-1 Calls in 2025

1. Their luggage exceeded the carry-on limits

2. Walmart wouldn’t return an air fryer

3. Their dishwasher was broken

4. Someone parked at Starbucks and went into a grocery store instead

5. A non-electric car parked at an EV charging station

6. They wanted to complain about traffic

7. They got locked out of their Airbnb

8. They left their iPad at the SkyTrain station

9. They wanted help getting a hornet out of their apartment

10. They were unhappy with their haircut

E-Comm handles about two million 9-1-1 calls annually and wants British Columbians to feel confident reaching out when safety, health, or property is at risk. Non-urgent matters should be directed to non-emergency lines or other resources for resolution.

Tips for proper 9-1-1 use include knowing your location, staying on the line if you accidentally call 9-1-1, and storing phones carefully to prevent unintended calls. A full list of alternative resources for non-emergency matters is available at nonemergency.ca.

By sharing this top ten list and guidance, E-Comm reinforces the importance of keeping emergency lines free for those who truly need immediate help.