Prepare Your Kids for a 9-1-1 Emergency
There are two things your kids need to know when facing a 9-1-1 emergency or other situation requiring adult assistance: 1) Who to call, and 2) What to say.
Make sure that you keep an updated list of all the phone numbers your kids might need in a convenient location. For example, print it out and tape it to the inside of a kitchen cabinet. This way your kids won't have to look for a neighbor's phone number when they need help.
When using a cell phone to call 9-1-1, calls can sometimes be routed to regional call centers, rather than local 9-1-1 operators. In this situation, the caller must must be prepared to state his or her city and general type of emergency before being connected with the appropriate local authorities. If your child may potentially be using a cell phone to call 9-1-1, make sure that he or she knows about this extra step.
In addition, make sure that your child also knows how to clearly state the following:
In addition, you child should also be prepared to stay on the line until the authorities arrive, unless her or she is instructed otherwise by the 9-1-1 operator.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Make sure that you keep an updated list of all the phone numbers your kids might need in a convenient location. For example, print it out and tape it to the inside of a kitchen cabinet. This way your kids won't have to look for a neighbor's phone number when they need help.
Teach Your Kids How to Call 9-1-1 in an Emergency
When using a cell phone to call 9-1-1, calls can sometimes be routed to regional call centers, rather than local 9-1-1 operators. In this situation, the caller must must be prepared to state his or her city and general type of emergency before being connected with the appropriate local authorities. If your child may potentially be using a cell phone to call 9-1-1, make sure that he or she knows about this extra step.
In addition, make sure that your child also knows how to clearly state the following:
- His or her full name
- The specific address of his or her location
- The nature of the emergency
In addition, you child should also be prepared to stay on the line until the authorities arrive, unless her or she is instructed otherwise by the 9-1-1 operator.