April is 911 Education Month, so we’ve asked Angel Arocho from Comcast.net’s Emergency Services Program to share some guidelines with us that will help us teach our Sproutlets about safety. ~Diana
Comcast’s 911 Education Center on the Security Channel at http://security.comcast.net/e911/ offers interactive activities including 911 coloring pages, a fun quiz, a list of 911 terminology, usage tips and additional resources to help you teach your child how and when to call 911.
Here are some things you might want to tell your child about 911:
- 911 is the designated three digit number for emergency use in the United States.
- Do not call 911 for jokes or prank calls.
- Dial 911only for police, fire and medical emergencies.
- Know your phone number and the exact location of the incident. Providing an accurate address is critical.
- When you call 911, listen carefully to what the operator says and asks you to do.
- Stay on the line with the 911 operator and answer all questions. The more information they have, the better they are able to help you.
- Remain calm and speak clearly.
- If you accidentally dial 911, do not hang up. Explain that there is no emergency and that you called by accident.
Here’s to your safety and 911 Education Month!
A lot of this sounds like common sense and it is--to us grown ups. But our preschoolers need to know these basic facts for their own good--and for ours. How many times have we turned on the news to see an amazing child calling 911 in an emergency and saving the day? Have you talked about 911 with your family?