911 Education for Kids! 

There are many reasons why a child might need to call 911. Before an emergency happens help your child be prepared. Here are some easy steps to practice. 

Discuss what types of situations are considered emergencies 

• A medical emergency  

• The child or someone else is in danger, lost, or unable to locate a responsible adult.  

• Something/someone is on fire, or they see smoke in the residence.  

Practice how to dial 911 on either a cell phone or a landline

• Show your child how to dial Nine-One-One (not Nine Eleven) on the keypad of both the landline and cell phone.  

• Teach them how to dial 911 or reach emergency services even if the phone is locked. 

• If the child calls 911 accidentally reassure them that they are not in trouble; stay on the line to speak to the dispatcher who will confirm with an adult that all is well.  

Teach your children their home address and your name, parents, or guardian. 

• One of the most important pieces of information to have when calling 911 is where you are so that help can locate you. It is important that your child learns the address of where they live. It is also helpful for them to be able to describe their home as a two-story house or an apartment or what color the house is. This is helpful when your child is unable to remember the full address. 

• Situational awareness is always a great skill to have at any age. Not all emergencies happen at home. If you are traveling on different roads, do they know which road they are on? 

• Most children know their parents as Mom and Dad, but it’s important that they know your full names. Knowing the parents' names would help law enforcement or emergency medical services identify the parent or legal guardian in an emergency.