OPP send reminder on where to turn for non-emergency situations
Posted Jul 18, 2025 09:53:58 AM.
Last Updated Jul 18, 2025 10:06:11 AM.
In an effort to limit calls tied to weather updates, traffic conditions, and more, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are sending out a reminder on where to turn and who to call for any non-emergency situations.
It comes as police say the increasing number of calls for non-emergencies during the summer months are tying up phone lines.
They say it slows down the response times for ongoing emergencies, potentially costing lives throughout the region.
Instead, OPP has a few recommendations on where to look, instead of calling 9-1-1:
- Weather forecasts and alerts: weather.gc.ca and theweathernetwork.com
- Road closures and traffic conditions: 511on.ca and municipal511.ca
- Marine conditions: weather.gc.ca/marine
- Forest fires: ontario.ca/page/forest-fires and @ONforestfires on social media
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Non-emergencies (e.g., reporting traffic complaints, suspicious activity): Call 1-888-310-1122
It also urges the public to stay informed on a regular basis by monitoring local news outlets and radio stations, including on 570 NewsRadio Kitchener.
OPP also recommends following local authorities, municipalities, and other emergency services directly on social media.
It said that’s the best way to stay alert and stay up-to-date on everything that could impact your day, while also assisting OPP in limiting the number of non-emergency calls.
