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Emergency Services

 

 Accidental 9-1-1 calls

The majority of accidental calls to 9-1-1 come from cell phones. We deal with many different types of accidental 9-1-1 calls, but the most common types include pocket dials, cup holder calls, and bag dials (such as from your purse). It is paramount to safely store and carry your cell phone at all times.

Every single 9-1-1 call that comes in to the Ontario Police Service is answered and attended to, including the accidental and hang-up calls that we receive every day. Communications Staff return EVERY hang-up call to see if emergency services are needed. If there is no answer, a message is left, advising the individual that their device has dialled 9-1-1. Following this, if the call was made from a cell phone, the Communications Staff will then send a text message to your device to advise that your device dialled 9-1-1. If the Communications Staff still does not hear back, they will contact your phone company to get additional information on how to get in contact with you to make sure you are safe.

If you realize that you or your phone has dialled 9-1-1 in error, do not panic and do not hang up so our Communications Staff can ensure your safety.

During the process of trying to contact an abandoned 9-1-1 call, Communications Staff spend on average 2-10 minutes trying to reach the individual. If you stay on the line or answer when we call you back, it takes 2-5 minutes of our time. If you do not answer our initial call back, it can take 10 minutes or more. This ties up emergency services, phone lines, valuable resources, and prevents someone with a real emergency from being able to reach us.

How can you help?

Make sure your cell phone cannot dial 9-1-1 on its own. It is important to note that cell phones in purses, pockets, or backpacks can randomly dial 9-1-1 even if the keypad is locked. Storing it in a phone case can help to ensure your cell phone cannot dial 9-1-1 accidentally.

If you are putting your phone in your pocket, there are a handful of other precautions that you can take to prevent these calls. Start by locking your screen. It does not fully prevent these calls from taking place, but it is better than putting your active, unlocked phone into your pocket. Adding a password to your device, whether it be a number, pattern, face ID, or thumbprint, will make it slightly harder for your phone to accidentally unlock in your pocket and call the emergency line.

With older, inactive cell phones, even without a plan or pay-as-you-go minutes, you can still call 9-1-1, so taking the batteries out is a simple, easy solution.

9-1-1 is an easy number to remember, resulting in a lot of calls from children playing with phones. In addition, children who are learning about 9-1-1 in school are sometimes tempted to “test” 9-1-1. Also, taking the SIM card out of your device when you give it to your children does not actually prevent your phone from making calls to emergency services. So, if you allow your child to play with your phone, make sure you are monitoring their activity.

Accidental 9-1-1 calls can also happen when 9-1-1 is pre-programmed into your device. Again, 9-1-1 is an easy and well-known emergency number. In an emergency, simply dialing 9-1-1 is faster than remembering which speed dial code you programmed.

Emergency SOS feature

Most phones are pre-set by manufacturers to call 9-1-1 if the side buttons are pressed a specific number of times. As much as it may seem handy, it results in dozens of accidental 9-1-1 calls every day. By way of example, these calls can come from placing your phone in the cup holder of your car while you are driving. As your phone bounces around in the cup holder, these side buttons can get hit or pressed the number of times required to make the emergency call.

iOS devices

On iPhone 8 or later, your iPhone can automatically call emergency services. When “Call with Hold” or “Call with 5 Presses” is turned on and you try to make an emergency call, your iPhone begins a countdown and sounds an alert. After the countdown ends, your iPhone automatically calls emergency services.

Apple watches

Holding the side button will call emergency services automatically.

If you choose to disable the Emergency SOS feature on your device to prevent accidental calls, check the user manual, the manufacturer’s website, or call the service provider to determine whether your device has this feature and how to turn it off.

Note:  If you choose to disable your “Call with Hold” or “Call with 5 Presses” settings on your iOS Device or the “Hold Side Button to Dial” setting on your Apple Watch, you can still use the Emergency SOS slider to make a call.

What if I accidentally call 911? Our #1 suggestion: Don’t panic!

Emergency management and preparedness

 

Emergency Preparedness Starts With You!

To celebrate Emergency Preparedness Week, the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich encourages you to Be Ready For Anything by completing these Personal Preparedness steps throughout the week: 

Make a Plan

Every household needs an emergency plan. It will help you and your family know what to do in case of an emergency. Remember, your family may not be together when a disaster occurs. Plan how to meet or contact one another and discuss what you would do in different situations.  Create and print a fillable plan for you and your family.

Build a Kit

Emergencies can happen at any time. This could mean utilities are out, roads are closed and you can’t get the crucial supplies you need. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for up to three days (72 hours) in the event of an emergency or disaster. This allows emergency workers to focus on vulnerable persons. Keep your kit stored in a place everyone in your family is aware of.

72-Hour Kit Checklist
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Radio and batteries or crank radio
  • Spare batteries
  • Family first aid kit
  • Candles and matches/lighter
  • Extra car keys and cash (small bills and change!)
  • Important papers (identification)
  • Clothing and footwear
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Toilet paper and other personal items
  • Medication, spare glasses, aids
  • Whistle (to attract attention if needed)
  • Playing cards, games, toys
  • Manual can opener, bottle opener
  • Map of the area
  • Duct tape and plastic sheeting
  • Baby supplies/diapers
  • Pocket knife or multi-use tool
  • Container, backpack or bag for your kit
  • Cook stove and fuel (follow manufacturers instructions and never use indoors)
  • Water – at least 4L per person per day (2L for drinking, 2L for food preparation, hygiene or dishwashing)
  • Food for 3 days (choose ready to eat foods that your family likes that do not require refrigeration)
Car Emergency Kit
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Radio and batteries or crank radio
  • Spare batteries
  • Vehicle first aid kit, safety seatbelt cutter
  • Candles & matches/lighter
  • Booster cables, tow chain/rope
  • Fire extinguisher (ABC type)
  • Tire pump/inflator and tire gauge
  • Gas container, vehicle fluids
  • Survival blankets & hot packs
  • Loud whistle, emergency/help sign
  • Emergency food & water
  • Emergency flares and safety triangle
  • Shovel, multi tool, snow brush/scraper
  • Sand, salt or kitty litter, traction mats
  • Compass, road maps
Seniors’ Emergency Kit
  • Medic alert bracelet and identification
  • List of medication, prescriptions, allergies and special food requirements
  • Service animal emergency kit, mobility support requirements
Special Needs Emergency Kit
  • Set up a support network with family, friends and an out-of-town contact
  • Extra, spare assistive devices, hearing aids, glasses, personal amplifier
  • Alternative/back up plan on any life sustaining equipment or apparatus
  • Medical testing equipment (kits) supply of testing strips, record book, alarms
  • Think of any special needs someone in your family might have, and include any other items that your family would need. Some suggestions include:
  • Babies/Toddlers - Diapers, bottled milk, extra cloths, formula and food, toys, crayons and paper
  • Other Family Members - keep at least one week’s supply of medication in your emergency kit and include extra eyeglasses, spare batteries for medical appliances and an extra oxygen cylinder if needed. Include copies of prescriptions for your medicine and glasses.
Pet Emergency Kit
  • Include a 3-day supply of pet food & water
  • Bowls
  • Medications
  • Paper towels
  • Can opener
  • Blanket
  • Small toys
  • Sturdy leash, harness, collar
  • Cat litter pan, plastic bags
  • Carrier for transportation, crate
  • Medical vaccination records, current photo
  • Up-to-date ID tag, copy of license, muzzle if required
Other Tips
  • Pack the contents of your kit in an easy-to-carry bag or a case with wheels
  • Store your kit in a place that is easy to reach, and ensure that everyone in your family knows where it is
  • Check and refresh your kit twice a year – when the clocks shift to/from daylight savings time is a good time. Check all expiry dates and replace food and water with a fresh supply. Check batteries and replace as needed.
Shelter-In-Place

Shelter-in-place refers to the practice of remaining indoors during the release of airborne dangerous goods or other noxious air pollutants, as opposed to evacuation the area.

Things to do
  • Go indoors and stay there.
  • Close all outside doors and every door inside the building.
  • Close all windows.
  • Do not use the bathroom vents or kitchen vents.
  • Set thermostats so air conditioners, furnaces and hot water heaters will not come on.
  • Do not use fireplaces and close all dampers.
  • Do no operate clothes dryer.
  • Shelter in a room away from windows and doors if possible.
  • Reduce or avoid smoking as it contaminates the air.
  • Do not leave the building until told to do so.
  • Stay tuned to local television or radio for information.
  • Do not use the telephone; you may tie up phone lines.
For added protection
  • Seal the cracks around the doorway with wide tape and a rolled up damp towel at the floor space.
  • If there is a window, tape a piece of plastic over the window to seal it.
  • Be prepared ahead of time by cutting a piece of plastic to the window size and store it and some tape in your shelter in place room. It is imperative that you stay indoors, especially if you see a cloud, vapor, or smoke. You will be safer inside.
Public Notification System
Stay Informed!

Dutton Dunwich Fire Hall Siren

The siren on top of the Fire Hall is tested in the Village of Dutton on the 1st Saturday of each month at 12:00 noon. If you hear this siren going off at any other time day or night, it is to notify you to shelter-in-place. This means to shut your windows and remain indoors as opposed to evacuating the area. For more information on how to shelter-in-place, look under Personal Preparedness. Do not leave your home until you hear the siren go off again after a period of time or until you are contacted by emergency personnel or municipal staff.



Voyent Alert Logo

Voyent Alert! provides informative communications over a variety of communication channels including mobile apps, text/sms alerting, email or voice dial. You can register for one or more communication chanels and track multiple locations such as "kids school" or "Mom's house" within the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich. This smart alerting ensures that you will only get notified when a communication is relevant to you or one of the locations you are tracking.

Registration is FREE, simple and anonymous by using one of the following methods:

  • Download and install the "Voyent Alert!" app from the apple app or google play stores
  • Register online to receive email, voice or text-based alerts.
  • Scan the QR code below for simple registration

QR Scan Code


Alert Ready Logo

Alert Ready is Canada’s emergency alerting system. Alert Ready delivers critical and potentially lifesaving alerts to Canadians through television, radio and LTE-connected and compatible wireless devices.

For more information visit the Alert Ready Website and find out if your device is compatible


211 Telephone Number Logo

 

211 connects people to the right information and social services. This services is FREE, confidential, available 24/7, in 150+ languages and you will always get a live person.

Call 211 or go to the Ontario 211 website for information or referral to:

  • Abuse/Assault
  • Community Programs
  • Disabilities
  • Emergency/Crisis
  • Employment/Training
  • Family Services
  • Food
  • Francophones
  • Government/Legal
  • Health Care
  • Homelessness
  • Housing
  • Income Support
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • LGBTQ+
  • Mental health/Addictions
  • Newcomers
  • Older Adults
  • Youth

In the event of a declared emergency in the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich information on where to go and what to do will be made available through 2-1-1. 


Frequently Asked Questions

Will they tell anyone about my call?

No – your call to 211 will be treated with absolute confidentiality.

My parents don’t speak English. Can they still use the service?

Yes – They can answer your questions in over 150 languages. If one of their own staff does not speak your language, they will bring a professional interpreter onto the call free of charge.

I am hearing-impaired. Can I use 211’s phone service?

Of course you can – the TTY line is 1-888-340-1001.

What happens if they can’t answer my question?

Their certified information and referral specialists can usually provide you with answers during your call. Occasionally they may need to do additional research and will call you back as soon as possible.

Emergency Response Plan

The Municipality has an active Emergency Response Plan, which is tested on a regular basis. The four key components of emergency management are:

  • prevention/mitigation
  • preparedness
  • response, and
  • recovery.

An emergency situation or impending situation caused by the forces of nature, an accident, an intentional act or otherwise that constitutes a danger of major proportions to life or property.

The Emergency Response Plan is available in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports upon request. Please contact Kate Morreau at 519-762-2204 or by email

Resource Material
Websites
  • Public Safety Canada – Emergency Management
  • Flood Notices – Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
Guides and Brochures
  • Emergency Preparedness Guide
  • Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs
  • Floods – What to Do? 
  • Severe Storms – What to Do? 
  • Power Outages – What to Do? 
  • Earthquakes – What to Do? 
  • Emergency Preparedness for Farm Animals 
  • How to Help Yourself During an Extended Power Outage
Emergency Telephone Numbers

Police – Fire – Ambulance – Call 9-1-1

 

Hospitals

London

  • St. Joseph’s Hospital, 268 Grosvenor St, London ON N6A 4V2 - 519-646-6100
  • University Hospital, 339 Windermere Rd, London ON N6A 5A5 - 519-685-8500
  • Victoria Hospital, 8000 Commissioners Rd E, London ON N6A 5W9 - 519-685-8500

Newbury

  • Four Counties Health Services, 1824 Concession Dr, Newbury ON N0L 1Z0 - 519-693-4441

St.Thomas

  • Elgin-St. Thomas General Hospital, 189 Elm St, St. Thomas ON N5R 5C4 - 519-631-2030

Strathroy

  • Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, 395 Carrie St, Strathroy ON N7G 3J4 - 519-245-1550

Ontario Provincial Police (Non-Emergency)

  • Dutton, 11167 Currie Road - 519-762-2833
  • St. Thomas, 42696 John Wise Line - 519-631-2920
  • Glencoe, 157 Water Street - 519-287-2620
  • Strathroy, 28444 Centre Road - 519-245-2323
  • Petrolia, 4224 Oil Heritage Road - 519-882-1011
  • Chatham-Kent - 535 Park Ave. East -519-352-1122

TTY Number - 1-888-310-1133


Crime Stoppers

  • London, 601 Dundas St, London ON N6B 1X1 - 519-661-8477 or toll free 1-800-222-8477
  • St. Thomas, 45 Caso Crossing, St. Thomas ON N5P 1E7 - 519-631-8477 or toll free 1-800-222-8477

 Social Services

  • Victim Services Elgin, 146 Centre St, St. Thomas ON N5R 3A3 - 519-631-3182
  • Anova Women’s Helpline - 519-642-3000
  • Abused Women’s Helpline Elgin County- 1-800-265-4305
  • Kids Help Phone - 1-800-668-6868
  • Marine & Air Search & Rescue -1-800-267-7270
  • Youth Crisis Line - 519-660-4357
  • ConnexOntario - Addiction, Mental Health & Problem Gambling Treatment Services - 1-800-565-8603
  • Family & Children’s Services of St. Thomas & Elgin, 410 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas ON N5R 3C7 - 519-631-1570 or toll free 1-800-260-6960
  • Elgin County Social Services, 450 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas ON N5R 5V1 - 519-631-1570
  • Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Treatment Centre - 519-646-6100 x. 64224
  • Sexual Assault Centre Crisis Line - 519-438-2272

Utilities

  • Hydro One Networks- 1-888-664-9376
  • Entegrus - 1-866-666-7566
  • Enbridge / Union Gas - 1-888-774-3111

Other

  • CAA-AAA Auto Club & Travel Agency - 1-800-222-4357
  • Poison Information Centre - 1-800-268-9017
Fire services
Learn more about the Dutton Dunwich Volunteer Fire Department 
Paramedic service 

Medavie EMS Elgin Ontario is part of the Medavie Health Services family of operations — a national leader in primary health care solutions and the largest contracted provider of EMS management services in Canada.

With a network of 4,300 health care professionals in six provinces, Medavie Health Services has a long history of operating ground and air ambulance services, medical communications, Mobile Integrated Health / Community Paramedicine programs, 911 Public Safety, 811 Telehealth, home health care, as well as clinical training.

Contact

Address: 125 Edward St, St Thomas, ON N5P 4L9
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: (519) 637-3098

Police service - Elgin County Detachment

Every OPP detachment across the province has an Action Plan to guide detachment operations and ensure community safety. The plans are designed to identify local crime and traffic priorities. Once priorities are identified, specific activities are established to promote community engagement, increase public education and concentrate enforcement efforts. Progress Reporting is done annually during the three year action planning cycle.

Report a Crime - Citizen Self Reporting

OPP Website 

For emergency assistance, DIAL 911 - You can also call 1-888-310-1122 24 hour toll free, anywhere in Ontario

Non-emergency calls for service - 24 hour toll free, anywhere in Ontario 1-888-310-1122 and 1-888-310-1133 (TTY)

 

Living Here
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  • Property Taxes
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  • Schools
  • Welcome to Dutton

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Municipality of Dutton Dunwich logo

Municipality of Dutton Dunwich
199 Currie Road
Dutton, Ontario N0L 1J0
Map This Location

Office Hours
Monday to Friday - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Except for statutory holidays
Phone: (519) 762-2204
Fax: (519) 762-2278

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