Kids' Corner: Learn About 911!
Do you know what to do in an emergency? Learning about 911 can help you know what to do when you or someone else needs help. Read these important tips to become a 911 safety superstar!
What Is 911?
911 is the phone number you call when you need help right away. You can call 911 from a cell phone or a regular phone during an emergency.
When you call 911, you can get help from police officers, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel.
When Should I Call 911?
Call 911 when someone is badly hurt, a fire starts, someone is in danger, or you need emergency help from the police, fire department, or an ambulance.
You should also call 911 if you see something dangerous happening or feel that someone may be in serious trouble.
Remember: Only call 911 for emergencies. If you are unsure whether something is an emergency, it is okay to call and tell the dispatcher what is happening.
What Happens When I Call 911?
When you call 911, a dispatcher will answer. A dispatcher is a person whose job is to help people during emergencies.
The dispatcher may ask you questions, such as:
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What is your name?
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Where are you?
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What happened?
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Is anyone hurt?
Try to stay calm and answer the questions as best you can. You do not have to know all the answers. Just tell the dispatcher what you know.
The dispatcher will send the right kind of help and may give you instructions to follow while you wait.
Stay on the Phone!
Once you call 911, stay on the phone until the dispatcher tells you it is okay to hang up. Even if you called by accident, tell the dispatcher what happened and follow their instructions.
If you are scared or cannot answer every question, do your best to listen and follow the dispatcher's directions.
Never be afraid to call 911 when there is a real emergency. We are here to help!
Learn Important Information About Your Family
Knowing a few important things can help you during an emergency. Ask a trusted adult to help you learn:
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Your full name
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Your home address, including your city
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Your parents' or caregivers' names
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A parent's or caregiver's phone number
Practice saying your address and phone number out loud with an adult so you feel comfortable sharing them if you ever need help.
What If I Am Away From Home?
If you need to call 911 while you are away from home, try to look around for clues that can help the dispatcher find you.
Look for:
Tell the dispatcher what you see. If you do not know where you are, that is okay! Tell the dispatcher what you can, and follow their instructions.
Can I Practice Calling 911?
Yes! You can learn how to call 911 by practicing with a parent, caregiver, teacher, or another trusted adult.
Never call 911 just to practice. Instead, pretend to make a call with an adult and practice answering questions a dispatcher might ask. Your adult can help you learn what to say without tying up the emergency phone lines.
Why Shouldn't I Make Prank Calls to 911?
Calling 911 as a joke or prank is not safe. While a dispatcher is helping someone who does not have a real emergency, another person who needs help might have to wait.
Prank calls can also cause emergency responders to be sent when they are needed somewhere else.
Only call 911 when someone needs emergency help. If you accidentally call 911, stay on the phone and tell the dispatcher it was an accident.
You Can Be a 911 Safety Superstar!
Remember these important tips:
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Know when to call: Call 911 for emergencies.
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Stay calm: Take a breath and listen carefully.
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Answer questions: Tell the dispatcher what you know.
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Know your location: Share your address or describe what you see.
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Stay on the line: Do not hang up until the dispatcher says it is okay.
You do not have to handle an emergency alone. If you or someone else needs help right away, 911 is here for you!