Most of the time if someone accidentally makes a call, they can just hang up if they realize their mistake. If the call goes to emergency services, though, the caller should stay on the line and tell the dispatcher that they did not mean to dial 911.

A flyer about accidental 911 calls shared by East Grand Fire Protection District states that dispatchers have to verify whether or not there is an emergency for any call they receive, so they will call back if the caller hangs up on them. Just that call back takes resources away from real emergencies.

Callers need not feel embarrassed about accidentally dialing 911, because accidental calls happen on occasion and there is no penalty for placing an accidental call. The dispatcher may ask for some information from the caller to confirm that there is no emergency, though.

Even inactive phones can dial 911, as long as they have power and are turned on, so the flyer advises parents to be careful with any old phones they have around the house or let their children play with.

Android and iOS phones also have emergency SOS features like crash detection and emergency call shortcuts that can cause accidental 911 calls. Check the settings of your phone to be sure you know what might cause it to dial 911, and consider leaving your phone behind or placing it on airplane mode before going on a roller coaster or going skiing to avoid triggering the crash detection.