Kids and 9-1-1

Even very young children can be taught about 9-1-1 and what to do in an emergency, as well as when not to call 9-1-1. Teaching them when to call 9-1-1 is just as important as teaching them how to make a 9-1-1 call.

Be sure your children know what 9-1-1 is, how to dial from the phones in your home, and to trust the 9-1-1 call-taker. Ensure your child is physically able to reach at least one phone in your home.

When calling 9-1-1, your child needs to know their name, parent's / caregiver's name(s), telephone number, and most importantly, their address or location. Teach them to answer all the call-taker's questions and to stay on the phone until instructed to hang up.

If a child in your home dials 9-1-1 when no emergency exists, they should never hang up and instead, simply explain to the call-taker that it was an accidental call.

Also be aware that wireless phones without a current calling plan through a wireless provider are still capable of connecting a call to a local 9-1-1 center. Children should be told not to dial 9-1-1 from these old or uninitialized phones, and it is recommended that the phone’s battery be removed before giving these phones to children.