911 Basics for Kids
Helping Children Understand When and How to Call 911
Knowing what an emergency is, when to ask for help, and what to expect during a 911 call is an important part of family emergency planning. Simple, age-appropriate conversations can make a big difference. Teach children to say “nine-one-one,” not “nine-eleven.” Asking questions such as, “What would you do if there was a fire?” or “What would you do if someone was hurt?” helps them think through situations before they happen.
Families are encouraged to continue these conversations as children grow. Practicing what to do ahead of time can help reduce confusion and support clearer communication during an emergency.
Talking With Children About When to Call 911
Explain that 911 is for emergencies when someone needs help right away. An emergency is when someone is hurt or in danger.
Teach them to get to a safe place before calling. For example, if there is a fire, they should leave the building first and then call 911 from somewhere safe.
Review situations when calling 911 is appropriate, such as:
- A fire in a home or building
- Someone who will not wake up or has collapsed
- Trouble breathing, choking, seizures, or severe allergic reactions
- A serious car crash
- Seeing someone get hurt or a crime happening
Let them know it is okay to feel scared. The person who answers the phone is trained to help, speaks with children often, and will calmly explain what to do.
Reinforce that 911 should never be called as a joke or for fun. Calling only for real emergencies helps ensure help is available when it is truly needed.
Teaching Children What Happens During a 911 Call
Explain that when a child calls 911, the person who answers the phone is a trained dispatcher whose job is to help. Even though children are often taught not to talk to strangers, it is okay and important to speak openly with a 911 dispatcher during an emergency.
Let them know the dispatcher will stay on the line and ask simple questions to understand what is happening and where help is needed. Teaching a home address and phone number ahead of time can help them answer these questions more easily.
During a call, a dispatcher may ask questions such as:
- What is happening right now?
- Where are you?
- Who needs help?
Encourage children to listen carefully and answer as clearly as they can. In some situations, the dispatcher may also give simple instructions to follow while police, fire, or medical responders are on the way.
Younger children may also feel more comfortable if they understand who may arrive to help, such as police officers, firefighters, or emergency medical staff. Knowing these helpers are trained to keep people safe can reduce fear during a stressful situation.
Preparing for a 911 Call Before an Emergency
Taking a few simple steps before an emergency happens can make it easier for the caller, 911 telecommunicators and service provides
- Make house numbers easy to see from the street. Clear and visible numbers help responders find the correct location faster when 911 is called.
- For apartments, review location details. Make sure building numbers, apartment numbers, and floor levels are easy to identify and understood by everyone in the household. This information helps dispatchers confirm the exact location.
- Post emergency phone numbers in visible places. Keeping key numbers near phones helps children, caregivers, and babysitters share accurate information quickly during a call.
- Keep a first-aid kit in a known location. Reviewing where supplies are stored allows callers to follow dispatcher instructions more easily while help is on the way.