False alarms must be accounted for!

The city's emergency services are on duty around the clock to provide assistance at any moment. Dozens of calls are received daily. However, some of them turn out to be false.

The city's emergency services are on duty around the clock to provide assistance at any moment. Dozens of calls are received daily. However, some of them turn out to be false. It is difficult for the dispatcher to determine if the caller is telling the truth; they are not entitled to ignore any call and must respond to each one. It is regrettable when, upon arrival, it is found that assistance is not needed. But most importantly, one should not forget that a false alarm can cost a human life. After all, real help might have been needed at that very moment.

False alarms can be conditionally divided into two types: "mistaken" and "deliberate". Legislation does not provide for punishment for "mistaken" false alarms, as people calling the number "101" or "112" may mistake smoke from construction work or the smell of burnt food for a fire. In such cases, it is better to be overly cautious than to lose time and allow a small fire to develop into a real one. However, "deliberate" false alarms to emergency services, made for mischief, can lead to administrative liability for telephone hooligans. Article 17.6 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offences "Knowingly False Report" provides for a fine ranging from 4 to 15 base units. The district emergency department also has the right to file a lawsuit in court to recover the costs incurred for a knowingly false report.

For instance, on January 19, 2020, a report was received from a citizen about a fire in outbuildings in the city of Lepel. Fire and rescue vehicles were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, it was found that there was no fire or any signs of it. Following this incident, the Lepel District Department for Emergency Situations conducted an investigation, as a result of which the citizen who made the false report was brought to administrative responsibility in the form of a fine amounting to 5 base units (135 Belarusian rubles).

When dialling emergency numbers, remember that the conversation is recorded, and it is not difficult to identify the offender. Furthermore, equipment and machinery are used, and unjustified fuel expenses are incurred.

Dear citizens! When calling emergency services, please ensure the necessity of their arrival!