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Teaching Your Child How To Use 911
How to Use 911
Although most 911 calls are now traced, it's still
important for your child to have your street address and
phone number memorized. Your child will need to give that
information to the operator as a confirmation so time
isn't lost sending emergency workers to the wrong address.
Make sure your child knows that even though he or she
shouldn't give personal information to strangers, it's OK
to trust the 911 operator. Walk him or her through some of
the questions the operator will ask, including:
 | Where are you calling from? (Where do you live?)
| What type of emergency is this?
| Who needs help?
| Is the person awake and breathing? |
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Explain to your child that it's OK to be frightened in
an emergency, but that it's important to stay calm, speak
slowly and clearly, and give as much detail to the 911
operator as possible. If your child is old enough to
understand, also explain that the emergency dispatcher may
give first-aid instructions before emergency workers
arrive at the scene.
Make it clear that your child should not
hang up until the person on the other end says it's OK,
otherwise important instructions or information could be
missed.
More Safety Tips
Here are some additional safety tips to keep in mind:
| Always refer to the emergency number as
"nine-one-one" not "nine-eleven."
In an emergency, your child may not know how to dial
the number correctly because of trying to find the
"eleven" button on the phone.
| Make sure your house number is clearly visible from
the street so that police, fire, or ambulance workers
can easily locate your address.
| If you live in an apartment building, make sure your
child knows the apartment number and floor you live
on.
| Keep a list of emergency phone numbers handy near
each phone for your children or babysitter. This
should include police, fire, and medical numbers (this
is particularly important if you live in one of the
few areas where 911 is not in effect), as well as a
number where you can be reached, such as your cell
phone, pager, or work number. In the confusion of an
emergency, calling from a printed list is simpler than
looking in the phone book or figuring out which is the
correct speed-dial number. The list should also
include known allergies, especially to any medication,
medical conditions, and insurance information.
| If you have special circumstances in your house,
such as an elderly grandparent or a person with a
heart condition, epilepsy, or diabetes living in your
home, prepare your child by discussing specific
emergencies that could occur and how to spot them.
| Keep a first-aid kit handy and make sure your child
and babysitters know where to find it. When your child
is old enough, teach him or her basic first aid. |
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Source: Kid Health
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