Cumbria police have issued advice if you accidently dial 999 after a rise in silent calls in recent weeks.
It is believed an update to Android smartphones has contributed to the rise in this type of call.
Police are urging people who accidently dial 999, not to just hang up – instead they should tell the call handler they are safe.
A spokesman said: “Silent calls can be where the person making the call is not aware they have done so, and the operator cannot hear anyone on the line.
“Where such calls are made and people hang up, it can significantly impact our resourcing as officers need to conduct a range of checks to ensure you are safe and well.
“Nationally, all emergency services are currently experiencing record high 999 call volumes, which is for a number of reasons, but it is believed that there has been a significant impact as a result of an update to Android smartphones.
“Calls to 999 where the operator cannot hear anyone on the line are never just ignored. Call handlers will then need to spend time trying to call you back to check whether you need help.
“If you do accidentally dial 999, please don’t hang up. If possible, please stay on the line and let the operator know it was an accident and that you don’t need any assistance.”
How to avoid making a 999 call by accident
If you have an Android phone, you can check your emergency settings to turn off the functionality added in the latest update.
Go to Settings then Safety and Emergency and slide the button which says Emergency SOS to switch the functionality off.
