Police Department Tells People Not to Call 911 Just Because They Ran Out of Toilet Paper

The police in Newport, Oregon, on Saturday implored people not to call emergency services because they ran out of toilet paper.

The Newport Police Department put a notice on its Facebook page, saying there was a toilet paper shortage, as a number of staple items have been cleared off shelves across the country due to panic buying in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

https://www.facebook.com/NewportPolice/posts/10151320062944944

“It’s hard to believe that we even have to post this,” the department’s post read. “Do not call 9-1-1 just because you ran out of toilet paper. You will survive without our assistance.”

The Newport PD went on to offer a list of suggestions to use in place of the rolls of the usually available commercial product.

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“In fact, history offers many other options for you in your time of need if you cannot find a roll of your favorite soft, ultra plush two-ply citrus scented tissue,” the post read.

“Be resourceful. Be patient. There is a TP shortage. This too shall pass. Just don’t call 9-1-1. We cannot bring you toilet paper,” the department added.

Several national and local news outlets spread the story worldwide, prompting Newport police to issue an update on Monday.

“Let’s all take a collective deep breath while maintaining our social distancing practices,” the update read.

It chastised some news media outlets for using headlines that said the department told people to “stop” calling the police.

https://www.facebook.com/NewportPolice/posts/10151321170109944

“We have not received numerous 911 calls about people’s lack of TP,” the update read. “Our recent post did not state we had received any such calls. It does state we do not want people to call 911 for their TP shortage.”

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President Donald Trump on Sunday, following a call with food industry executives, asked the public not to panic buy and hoard items.

“You don’t have to buy so much,” he said. “There’s no need for anybody in the country to hoard essential food supplies.”

Some grocery stores have taken to limiting purchase of hand sanitizer, toilet paper and other products.

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Brian Trusdell

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