Please Don't Call 911 And Ask For Pepperoni Pizza
We'd recommend not taking advice on medical or criminal emergencies from internet memes, but in case that's your go-to, let's set the record straight: Do not call 911 and ask for a pepperoni pizza.
A meme that has been circulating on social media reads: "If you need to call 911 but are scared to because of someone in the room, dial and ask for a pepperoni pizza... Share this to save a life!!!"
Police and 911 dispatchers say there's no such secret code, and that your best option if you're afraid of someone in the room overhearing your call is to text 911 with your location and the type of emergency. The Sacramento Bee reports that the pepperoni pizza line could actually confuse your dispatcher instead of conveying to them the information they need to send help.
#LAPD Communications has seen this graphic circulating on various social media channels. This is false. Text to 911 is a much better option. Your exact location & the nature of your emergency is what's needed to send the right resources. pic.twitter.com/MMBkjHPMNV
— LAPD Communications Division (@911LAPD) March 21, 2018
The pizza-ordering scenario was the subject of an anti-domestic violence Super Bowl commercial a few years back, and recently resurfaced in the form of the meme above. Remember, kids: Don't believe everything you read online. Unless it's on The Takeout.