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

Cooler weather sees B.C. wildfire numbers dip, but drought still poses concern

The number of active wildfires in British Columbia has dipped below 450 as cooler weather and recent rain has cut the fire risk, although another hot spell could wipe out those gains as large sections of the province wilt under severe drought.

Cooler weather sees B.C. wildfire numbers dip, but drought still poses concern

Trudeau names new cabinet, shifting focus to economy, housing ahead of next election

Two-thirds of cabinet portfolios have switched hands, with seven rookie ministers coming in to replace the seven ministers who are leaving. Five of the new ministers represent constituencies in Ontario, one is from British Columbia and one from Quebec.

Trudeau names new cabinet, shifting focus to economy, housing ahead of next election

2 new mass-timber courses to start at BCIT

Two new mass-timber courses are slated to begin in the fall at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. In addition, the province is providing 3.3-million-dollars to the school for the creation of a mass-timber training hub at B-C-I-T's Burnaby campus.

2 new mass-timber courses to start at BCIT

Prince George RCMP shooting leaves one injured

Mounties say it happened on Sunday morning at a home on Lalonde Road and that it was a targeted incident. They say surveillance footage shows a dark-coloured, extended cab pickup leaving the home at the time of the shooting.

Prince George RCMP shooting leaves one injured

Surrey Council approves contract to build new Strawberry Hill Community Hall

During the Regular Council Meeting on Monday, Surrey Council voted in favour of a $2.53M contract to build a new Strawberry Hill Community Hall. In 2021, a fire destroyed the historic Strawberry Hill Hall that was currently under construction as part of a $1.2M rehabilitation project that would have seen areas built for childcare and community rentals.

Surrey Council approves contract to build new Strawberry Hill Community Hall

Man violently robbed in home invasion

The two suspects forced entry into the victim’s suite near East Hastings and Gore on July 5. They violently beat him and stole his various possessions. The victim was taken to hospital for his injuries. VPD patrol officers and detectives from VPD’s Major Crime Section launched an investigation immediately.