Language

Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

911 Tips for the New Year

Released on January 4, 2018

If you unwrapped a new smart phone recently on Christmas Day, Sask911 reminds you to do your part to protect the integrity of the 911 system by making sure you understand how your high-tech gift accesses emergency services.

“Smart phones are great tools that make our lives easier, but they also have functions that need to be used properly,” Saskatchewan’s Emergency Management and Fire Safety Commissioner Duane McKay said.  “Everyone can do their part to ensure 911 operators and emergency service dispatchers are available to serve those in need.”

For example, iPhones with newer operating systems can have their lock button clicked five times to have the option to swipe SOS.  After swiping SOS, the smart phone dials 911.  However, this function does not ping your location to Sask911.

“Sask911 has received some calls from people testing the feature, which ties up valuable resources,” McKay said.  “We want to be proactive and remind people to please call 911 only when there’s a real emergency.  If you do accidently dial 911 for whatever reason, please stay on the line so staff can verify quickly that there isn’t a real emergency.”

Smart phone users should also ensure their phones are locked when carrying them in a purse, pocket or bag to prevent accidental 911 calls.

From January to November of this year, Sask911 operators took 330,281 calls.  Of those, 58 per cent or 190,296 were from a cell phone, and 12 per cent or 40,046 were abandoned – meaning a caller hung up after dialing.

Other tips to help prevent accidental 911 calls:
  • Manually dialing 911 instead of preprogramming the number in your phone; and
  • Teaching your children the importance of 911 and when it should and should not be used.
General 911 tips:
  • When calling, say where you are and identify which emergency services you require, such as police, fire or ambulance.
  • Try to remain calm and be able to provide additional information, if requested by an operator.
  • Don’t hang up until an operator advises you to do so.
-30-

For more information, contact:

Kathy Ward
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2687
Email: kathy.ward@gov.sk.ca

We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve