We’ve all done it: Looked down at our phone and realized it was dialing a number like it has a mind of its own. But when that number is 911, an embarrassed “butt dial” text isn’t going to cut it.

On average this year, Deschutes County 911 has received between 1,100 to 1,200 accidental calls and hang-ups per month, said Deschutes County 911 Service District Operations Manager Chris Perry. It’s a common trend across all 911 centers, Perry said, and most of the calls are entirely accidental.

“We of course try to call all of these accidental dials back — and some certainly turn into more than an accidental dial — but … (it is) absolutely better to stay on the line on an accidental dial. We want to verify the caller is okay and that there is no emergency,” Perry said.

Prank calls are “far and few between” Perry said, and when it does happen operators warn the caller that they could be cited or arrested by law enforcement if the issue continues.

Sheila Miller, spokesperson for the Bend Police Department, said law enforcement cites a few people each year for improper use of emergency communication systems, “but often people who repeatedly call 911 after being warned of misuse may be experiencing mental health issues, or they are calling repeatedly to express their displeasure with the service they’ve received.”

Misusing emergency communications in Oregon is a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by up to a year in jail and fine of up to $6,250.