Oak Bluffs Sheriff's Office Sees Uptick In Accidental 911 Calls

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MA — The Oak Bluffs Sheriff's Office is asking those on the island to take care to lock their cell phones after use following an uptick in accidental emergency calls to the 911 emergency line.

Smartphones have systems that can automatically call 911 when bumped too hard after being put away when still on. To help cut down on these calls — which take away time police, fire and EMS spend on — the office is promoting the "Lock It Before You Pocket" campaign.

"You can help prevent accidental calls with a few easy precautions," the Sheriff's Office said. "Please remember to lock your phone, stow it safely to avoid triggering any autodial features, and keep your smart devices out of the hands of small children."

Autodial features on smartphones can be disabled, but the Sheriff's Office warns that comes with the inability to make a 911 call as easily in case of the emergency.

If you do make an accidental 911 call, police ask that you remain on the line so that telecommunicators can make sure you are OK, and do not send a response to the area of the cell signal.

"Thank you for your help in keeping our lines clear for emergencies — true emergencies," the Sheriff's Office said.