National

911 phone service for seniors

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 20 Sep, 2023 01:27 PM

Vancouver police are offering free 9-1-1 cellphones to seniors who can’t afford their own phone.

Police say in a statement that seniors on fixed or low incomes are sometimes less inclined to rely on technology for safety, especially if it involves a monthly cost.

#VPD is offering free 911 phones to seniors in need. These phones can provide 911 access in emergency situations. They have a large keypad, and maintain a charge for up to 14 days.
Phones are now available at VPD HQ located at 2120 Cambie St. More info: https://t.co/1qfCaJF4xY pic.twitter.com/IepBSPsz55
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) September 20, 2023

The new program offers seniors a cellphone that can be used only to call 9-1-1 and has no upfront costs or monthly payment plan.

Constable Tania Visintin says many seniors live alone and are especially vulnerable during emergencies, so the cellphones will give them access they didn’t have before.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Arrest in Seawall assaults

Police in Vancouver says a man has been arrested for assaulting people on the city's seawall this weekend. The department says on social media that officers responded to reports of the attacks Saturday.

Arrest in Seawall assaults

Prior Omicron infection didn't protect some seniors from reinfection, study finds

A new study has found that previous infection with an Omicron variant of COVID-19 did not protect seniors in long-term care and retirement homes from getting reinfected within a few months. Senior author and McMaster University immunologist Dawn Bowdish says the study results are surprising because they challenge the current thinking about hybrid immunity.

Prior Omicron infection didn't protect some seniors from reinfection, study finds

Smoke aids B.C. fire fight, as BC Wildfire Service warns about Hurricane Hilary

The BC Wildfire Service says weather across British Columbia will be impacted by a hurricane in Southern California, challenging firefighters already battling hundreds of fires that forced 30,000 people from their homes and caused a provincial state of emergency.

Smoke aids B.C. fire fight, as BC Wildfire Service warns about Hurricane Hilary

Air quality advisory issued for Metro Vancouver

An air quality advisory for Metro Vancouver remains in place due to wildfire smoke. The Metro Vancouver Regional District says people should postpone or reduce outdoor physical activity particularly if they have underlying conditions related to breathing.

Air quality advisory issued for Metro Vancouver

Man dies in Hope shooting

The province's homicide investigation team has been called in after a man was fatally shot in Hope. R-C-M-P say they were called just before 3 a.m. on Sunday and found a 28-year-old man who had been shot and killed.

Man dies in Hope shooting

Ottawa 'shouldn't walk around with a stick' to enforce health deals: Holland

Newly appointed Health Minister Mark Holland says he doesn't want to go waving a stick around as he negotiates the final details of a health accord with provinces and territories, and it'll largely be up to Canadians to hold them accountable. All provinces except Quebec accepted the $198-billion deal in principle earlier this year and are expected to sign final agreements before the end of 2023.