Misuse of 911 number?

Question

Earlier, my daughter called 911 on accident since she was showing her niece how to dial it and I had to talk to them. They asked to verify the number, address and people living there, but I'm afraid, this is the first time that has happened to us. Are we going to be fined? We live in California, by the way. I told the operator that it was all an accident and she said it was alright, but I still have a feeling there's a fine coming my way.

Answer 1

Don't know about Calif. but in NC nothing happened to me when my nephew called once. They just wanted to talk to someone to see if things were really ok. They did send a officer to my house to check but no fine. I wouldn't think they would fine you unless it happened a few times. I wouldn't worry.

Answer 2

NOPE! I have dialed it countless times, and my phone has bumped things in my purse and dialed it many times as well.  They MAY come to your house if they think something is suspicious, but they won't fine you.  When I was younger a friends phone number was LIKE: 391-1057, so if I would forget to dial the "3" it would call 911.  And the person on the other end was just fine with it.  SO no worries!

Answer 3

No fine.  This happens all the time.  There is only a fine, or possible arrest, if a person calls 911, is told that the situation they are calling about is not an emergency and to call a different number.  Then they call again, and again, and again, one right after the other on the same thing.

That is not your case, relax, you're good.

Answer 4

Nothing will happen...

they want to make sure it's okay, they aren't going to fine you.

My neice dialed it by accident a few months ago and she hung up... they called right back to make sure that everything was fine, and that's all there was to it.

Answer 5

You did the right thing by staying on the phone and explaining the situation.  They wanted to confirm you knew what was on their screen so they knew they were talking to a resident that lives there rather then a burglar or other bad guy that would not have been able to answer the questions.  Fines only are imposed for repeated calls and purposeful abuse of the 911 system.

Answer 6

Need intent for misuse of 911.  If it is a kid and an accident you and your kid are fine.  It is like swinging to grab the last diaper package in the market but you fall, hit a granny in a rascal, and make her fall to the ground producing injury.  That is not a criminal act, although you could be sued civilly.  

If it happens over and over, then it would become more of a problem and make any human think there is an issue in the household or with your kid.  The same mistakes should not happen over and over.  

Answer 7

no My brother (4) called because we wouldn't make him soup. They came out and made sure everything was ok and left. You won't get fined