Police Beg Public To Stop Calling 911 When They're Out Of Toilet Paper
Panic buying due to the coronavirus outbreak has prompted a shortage in essentials, and toilet paper is high on the list. It’s so high, in fact, that one Oregon police department had to put out a message urging people who are short on it to stop calling 911 as they can’t help and have more pressing matters.
The Newport, Oregon, Police Department took to Facebook to ask local residents to stop calling 911 when they run out of toilet paper. “It’s hard to believe that we even have to post this,” the post read. “You will survive without our assistance.”
The post goes on to remind residents that toilet paper has not existed since the beginning of time. It cites historical alternatives the coastal town can take advantage of including how seamen used old rope and anchor lines soaked in salt water and ancient Romans used a salt water-soaked sea sponge on a stick. They also mentioned that Mayans and farmers used corn cobs. People even tore pages from catalogs to use–especially from thick ones like the Sears Christmas catalog, according to the post.
In a more realistic, present-day creative problem-solving fashion, the department suggests receipts, newspaper, rags, lace, cotton balls, and “that empty toilet paper roll sitting on the holder right now.”
The department ends the post with a straightforward reminder: “Be resourceful. Be patient...This too shall pass. Just don’t call 9-1-1. We cannot bring you toilet paper.”
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.
You Might Also Like
