So what can you do! Make sure all children know about 911. Children should know their full name, address and phone number. Explain to them if they do not know where they are, they can go to the car and read the license plate if it is located at the vehicle owners residence. A 911 operator taught me this many years ago! During an emergency the 911 operator asked a little girl to go to her mom’s car and read the license plate. In the end the dispatcher was able to find her home address and save the mother. Any person, child or adult, can use the license plate to help identify where they are.
Things to think about when calling 9-1-1
1) Many cell phones do not contain a global positioning system unit or they are disabled. Emergency operators may not know your exact location without being told.
2) Children need to know how to identify their location even when away from home. At different times ask "how would you describe where you are right now?"
3) Be sure children know which neighbors they should and shouldn't try to contact in an emergency.
4) Develop a plan for what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency. Have a central meeting location so you know where all the family members are. If everyone but one person is not there, you might think they are still in the home. Discuss and practice the plan often because repetition builds confidence.
5) Have your children hold up two fingers when they see a fire truck, IF they know two ways out of their bedroom and two ways out of their house. The Firemen love this because they know you practice fire safety at home.
6) Use your refrigerator as a central place to display emergency numbers. You can download my 911 ICE card (In Case of an Emergency) from my website. The display should state IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 911, because some children mistakenly reverse the sequence to 1-9-9 or 9-9-1
7) Give an old cell phone to someone who does not own one for their car or home. Federal law requires all cell phones to access 911 services without a fee. It is a great safety feature!
Fire Safety Tips You May Not Know
Handout Information
Check out these very important Fire Safety Tips
Handout Information
After my presentation to the children, this is the handout that I send home with the children for the parents to read. Here are the English and Spanish versions.
Find more information about 911 Education at 911forKids.com! 911-for-kids is a national non-profit organization working to educate and protect children that is highly recommended.Please go to www.911forkids.com to see the national non-profit organization that is specifically designed to help teach children about 911. Read the stories and get involved in your community. See the many materials that can be used to help teach children. I teach kindergarten through 2nd grades. Children can be taught prior to this so it is never too early to begin learning about 911.
* All content of this site was developed by Paul Nicholson through his dedication to 911 education since 2001, no other person or company is responsible for this site content. All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided "as is" and Paul does not warranty the information provided nor does he assume any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein. Paul Nicholson is a retired insurance agent with over 39 years of experience.