How to Report an Emergency

Knowing the proper way to place a call for help can be a matter of life and death. When seconds count, you need to be able to respond automatically. Children as young as 3 years old can learn these lifesaving steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Dial 911 from a house phone or cell phone. If you're driving, pull over to the side of the road as soon as it's safe to do so. Listen carefully to the instructions the recording gives you, if a live operator doesn't answer the 911 call.

2. Take a deep breath to steady your nerves, and listen carefully when your call is answered. The operator may need to relay your information to the police, fire, and ambulance personnel. Speak clearly and to be understood quickly in an emergency.

3. Inform the emergency operator the exact emergency, such as a burglary in progress, assault, medical emergency or fire. Answer their questions as clearly and quickly as possible. Be observant to describe medical symptoms, a suspect, or your location when the operator asks.

4. Give the address that you're from the location of the call, as well as a brief description of the location if possible. Tell them the specific door you're closest to in a medical emergency.

5. Spell your name plainly and in an even tone, not too loud or soft. Give the phone number and address of the location of the emergency.

6. Stay on the phone with the 911 operator until help arrives and they release you from the call by stating it's okay to hang up.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your address and phone number posted in an obvious place, so that children and guests can easily place emergency calls if necessary.
• Teach your children to dial "nine-one-one," not "nine-eleven." This way, in an emergency, they won't waste valuable time looking for the eleven button on the phone.
• Never program 911 into your auto dialer. It's too easy to call by mistake, and the number is simple to remember and dial direct.
• Only call 911 in a life-threatening emergency or a crime in progress. Trivial or prank calls to 911 are a crime in most areas of the United States.

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Resources

• A printable brochure to post by phone
• Simplified instructions for teaching young children