9-1-1 for Kids

kids We understand that calling 911 can be a scary or intimidating thought for some children. It is our goal to help educate them on how 911 works, and to remind them that it is OK to call when they have an emergency. We hope that these tools and games will help you teach your kids what we do, and how they can always rely on our dispatchers to help through emergencies.

Teaching Children about 9-1-1

Seconds count during an emergency. Teaching your child  how to correctly call 9-1-1 can save a life when a fire, medical emergency, or crime occurs. To help your child know how and when to use 9-1-1:

  • Make sure your child knows what 9-1-1 is.
  • Teach  your child how to dial 9-1-1 from your home and mobile phone.
  • Help your child trust the 9-1-1 dispatcher, they are there to help and can be trusted.
  • Make sure your children can reach at least one phone in your home.

DO:

  • Go to a safe place before you call 9-1-1.
  • Give the 9-1-1 dispatcher your full name and address.
  • Stay calm & follow the 9-1-1 dispatcher’s directions.

DON’T:

  • Call 9-1-1 as a joke or prank. You could get into trouble, or delay someone else from getting the help they need.
  • Hang up the phone until the 9-1-1 dispatcher tells you to. The dispatcher may need to ask you questions or give you directions to help someone.
  • If you call 9-1-1 by mistake DON’T HANG UP! Tell the 9-1-1 dispatcher you called by accident; otherwise they may send emergency crews to make sure you’re okay.

Please save 9-1-1 for real emergencies! Dial 703-558-2222 for non-emergency Police and Fire 24/7

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