Nearly 4 million apparently accidental calls were made to emergency call centers in 2010 . The consulting firm recommended implementing a citywide information campaign to alert the public of the issue and to streamline systems between the police and fire departments , among other recommendations . That 's more than one - third of some 11 million emergency calls made in New York each year . Authorities say it is an increased burden on emergency phone services .
Nearly 4 million apparently accidental calls were made to emergency call centers in 2010 . That 's more than one - third of some 11 million emergency calls made in New York each year . Authorities say it is an increased burden on emergency phone services .