Here Are Nine Tips for Teaching Kids How to Dial 9-1-1.
1. First, explain what 9-1-1 is, why it is important and when to call
Tell your child that 911 is a special phone number to call when there's an emergency and lives are at risk. Explain that this is what you do when you need the police, the fire department or an ambulance.
2. Go over how to dial from both a landline and a cell phone
Keep in mind that even on a locked screen, it is possible to make an emergency phone. Many children may also be unfamiliar with how landlines work if there isn't one in the home.
3. Make sure children know their name, their parents' names and their home address as well as what to do when 9-1-1 answers
Dispatchers are trained to speak to children, but a child cannot relay information they don't know. They should remember to:
- Stay calm and speak slowly
- Tell the 9-1-1 call taker what’s wrong and where they need help
- Speak up load and clear when the 9-1-1 call taker asks questions
- Stay on the phone until the 9-1-1 call taker tells you it is OK to hang up.
4. Explain what constitutes an emergency and what doesn't using simple examples
Teach kids that a 911 emergency is when someone needs help right away due to an injury or immediate danger.
Examples of when to call 9-1-1:
- there’s a fire
- someone is unconscious after an accident, drinking too much, or an overdose of pills or drugs
- someone has trouble breathing, like during an asthma attack or seizure
- someone is chocking
- they see a crime happening, like a break-in, or someone hurting another person
- there’s a serious car accident
Examples of when not to call 9-1-1:
- if there is no emergency
- for animals (except when they pose a threat to the safety of a person)
- as a game/prank/joke
- just to practice
5. For young children, it is a good idea to talk about different types of emergency workers
Explain who police officers, firefighters and paramedics are and what kinds of things they do to help people in trouble.
6. Make sure kids know that in the event of a fire or burglary, it is important to get out of the house before calling for help
Advise them that they can also go to a trusted neighbor's home to call 9-1-1.
7. Instruct children to follow the dispatcher's directions and to never hang up the phone until they've been told to do so
It may take several minutes to confirm where a cellphone call originates, and even then, it may not pinpoint an exact location.
8. When you are out and about, help your child recognize landmarks close to your home
Dispatchers may try to figure out a child's location by asking what's around them. It helps if they can describe nearby landmarks or surrounding homes.
9. Practice
Going over this once may not be enough. Practice periodically to help children retain the information.