How to Explain 911 to Children

Children should learn how to call 911.

It is essential for all children to learn about calling 911. Parents should teach their children at an early age when it is necessary for them to call 911. In addition, children should learn the answers to questions that 911 dispatchers will ask when a call is placed. Parents should also educate children about why calling 911 should be reserved for emergency purposes only and should never be a phone number that they make prank phone calls to.

Instructions

1. Explain that 911 dispatchers are there to help. Children are often taught that they should not speak to strangers. Children should understand that it is OK to give out personal information to 911 dispatchers because they will send a police officer, firefighter or someone else to help in the event of an accident.

2. Educate children about what counts as an emergency. 911 should be called in the event of a fire, a car crash that causes an injury or a crime, such as a home break-in or domestic violence. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of Emergency Medical Services, 911 should also be called in medical emergencies in which individuals are experiencing chest pain, uncontrollable bleeding, an allergic reaction or are not breathing or are gasping for air. Children should know that 911 should not be called for minor injuries or missing pets. Explain that children should call 911 if they are unsure if something is considered an emergency.

3. Practice a 911 phone call. Pretend to be the 911 dispatcher who would answer the phone call. Children should be able to provide the street address where the accident has occurred, as well as the phone number that they are calling from. They should also be able to explain the emergency. Remind children that although it is easy to become frightened during an emergency, it is important to talk slowly and clearly so that the dispatcher will be able to hear well enough to send help.

4. Tell children to follow the dispatcher's instructions. Explain that the dispatcher will provide instructions on what to do until help arrives. It is important for children to know that they should do everything that the 911 dispatcher says to do. Tell children that they should not hang up the phone until the dispatcher tells them to.

5. Remind children that 911 should be taken very seriously. They should know that it is not OK to prank call 911 when there is no emergency. Explain that this will prevent someone else who is having a real emergency from getting the help that they need right away. Also be sure to let children know that it is possible for 911 dispatchers to know the location a phone call is being placed from, so their call will not be anonymous and they will be punished for it.

Tips & Warnings

• Let children know that 911 should not be used for minor incidents, such as a skinned elbow or missing cat.

• If the child does not know where the numbers are located on the phone, show her.

• Never refer to 911 as 9/11, which can be confusing for children.

References

• Nemours Foundations: "Talking About 911 With Kids."
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of Emergency Medical Services: "When to Call 911."