While 911 is a lifeline for emergencies, dispatchers often face calls that are anything but urgent. From international mix-ups to outright bizarre requests, these calls showcase the unusual side of emergency services.
Check out these unique, strange and unexpected 911 calls made in 2024.
1. Wrong Dover rescue call
A rescue call intended for migrants in the English Channel was accidentally routed to dispatchers in Dover, Delaware, instead of Dover, England. The mix-up created confusion and underscored the importance of accurate call routing in international incidents.
2. Cellphone charging emergency
In Cleveland, a woman dialed 911 because she needed help charging her cellphone. This misuse of emergency services is a prime example of the trivial requests dispatchers deal with on a daily basis.
3. Serial 911 abuser
An Ohio woman took 911 misuse to an extreme and was eventually charged for making over 350 pointless ambulance calls. Her actions wasted valuable time and resources, creating significant strain on emergency responders.
4. False alarm at the White House
A false 911 call in Washington, D.C., sent firefighters racing to the White House. The incident turned out to be a false alarm, demonstrating how even small mistakes or misinformation can cause significant responses at high-profile locations.
5. Escaped kangaroo in Texas
In a rare and bizarre incident, Texas authorities received calls about a kangaroo hopping through a local neighborhood, WMUR reported. While unusual, the call turned into a unique animal control operation.
6. Boston police “happy birthday” request
Boston police were dispatched after a man called 911 asking officers to sing him “Happy Birthday,” the New York Post reported. While clearly not an emergency, the officers handled the situation with humor and professionalism, lightening an otherwise absurd moment.
7. Raccoon takeover in Washington
A woman in Washington state called 911 after her yard was overrun by more than 100 raccoons, the New York Post reported. The unusual invasion created a chaotic and overwhelming situation, prompting the call for emergency assistance to address the furry intruders.
These incidents highlight the lighter, stranger and sometimes frustrating side of emergency dispatching. While the system is built to save lives, these cases remind us that 911 calls are often far from predictable.
- Fire Captain Joe Hunter and Fire Lieutenant Chrissy Sarnowsky bring their firefighting skills and resilience to the latest season of CBS’s ‘Survivor.’
