Recently the Austin-Mower County Law Enforcement Center has received 10 to 15 false 9-1-1 calls a day.

These calls can't be tracked and are usually accidental.

They are coming from cell phones.

The automatic dialing feature is often programmed to dial 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. But sometimes can be activated accidentally if the right keys are hit.

And if you don't know the keys have been hit, it could be hours before you discover your phone has dialed 9-1-1.

This ties up the 9-1-1 dispatcher lines and may prevent someone in an actual emergency from getting help as soon as possible.

Key pads on cell phones can be locked to prevent any numbers from being dialed.

We encourage all residents to lock their cell phone key pads. Often it requires hitting only a couple keys. If you don't know how to lock it, look in the manual you received with the phone. Or ask a friend.

By simply taking two seconds to lock the key pad, false 9-1-1 calls will be prevented. And those that need emergency assistance will be able to get through to a dispatcher.