Tips for Kids

In an emergency, the best thing that you can do is tell your parents, a teacher, or another adult you trust right away. But if no one is around you may have to call someone else for help.

Know What Happens When You Call 911
After you dial, the person who picks up on the other end will be someone who works at a 911 center and whose job it is to help you. They may ask you to do things to help or ask you questions. It is important that you follow their directions as best you can. They will send someone to wherever you are and stay on the phone with you until everyone is safe.

Never Hang Up
Even if you called 911 by accident or if you think the problem has gone away, it is important that you stay on the phone until the call taker tells you it is alright to hang up. It is the call taker’s job to make sure that you are OK and that help has gotten to whoever needs it.

In situations where you aren’t able to talk or have to leave, keep the phone off the hook so that the 911 operator can hear what is going on in the room. Most times, they will be able to use the computers at the 911 center to find your address.

Know When to Call 911
You should only call when someone or something is hurt or in danger and you need a police officer, a firefighter, or a doctor.

Memorize Important Things About You & Your Family
Being able to tell the 911 operator things like your address, your parents’ names, and your phone number will get help to you faster.

Know Where You Are
If you aren’t at home and don’t know the address where you are, look around and try to find a street sign or a building with a name on it so that the 911 operator knows your exact location.

Try Not to be Scared
When you call 911, you become the eyes and ears for the call taker. Help will get to you much faster if you stay calm and can tell the call taker everything that is happening and can answer all the call taker’s questions. Know that 911 is the phone number you can call from any phone when you need help or you see someone who needs help right away.

Know What 911 Is
911 is the phone number you can call from any phone when you need help or you see someone who needs help right away.