Calling 911
Tips when calling 911
- Always call from a safe place.
- Move away from all sources of danger (fire, gas leaks, etc.).
- Call from a neighbor’s house if your house isn’t safe.
- If you use a cell phone, give the exact location of the emergency and a phone number that the dispatcher can call you back on.
- Stay calm
- Speak clearly and slowly.
- Answer all of the dispatcher’s questions as best as possible.
- Listen to the dispatcher’s instructions.
- Always stay on the line.
- Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to do so.
Teaching children about calling 911
Teach children that calling 911 is only for true emergencies.
- Prank 911 calls put emergency workers’ lives at risk
- Prank 911 calls are also against the law.
Teach your children to dial 911.
- Do not program 911 into speed dial.
- Help them memorize the number in case they are not able to use the pre-programmed phones.
Help children know pertinent information.
- Full name, address, and phone number.
Teach children to follow all instructions that the dispatcher gives.
- Instruct children not to hang up until the dispatcher tells them to incase more information is needed.
