What should I teach my child about calling 911?

While many children are familiar with dialing 911 in an emergency situation, they often do not know other important information, such as their address or how to reach a parent at work. Experts recommend that you begin teaching your child this important information at about age three:

  • Teach your children their full names, their parents’ full names, their home address and phone number with area code.
  • Teach your children the name of your employer and the phone number.
  • Teach your children what an emergency is and when to call 911.
  • Teach your children how to hold the phone properly so that they can speak clearly into the phone.
  • Teach your children that it is against the law to call 911 as a joke or prank.
  • Teach your children not to be afraid to call 911.

Teaching your children to call you at work before calling 911 wastes valuable time. Give them permission to call 911 if they think there is an emergency.

Attempt to stay calm when you are talking to a 911 dispatcher. Take a deep breath. Listen to and answer each question. Do not hang up after dialing 911 until the dispatcher tells you to do so (even if you did not mean to dial 911).

Show All Answers

1. What should I teach my child about calling 911?
2. Should I call 911 when my utilities stop working?
3. Can I remain anonymous?