How to call 911: A guide for young children.

📚 What is 911?

911 is a special phone number you call in the United States and Canada when there's an emergency. An emergency is when someone needs help right away because they are hurt, in danger, or if there's a fire or a crime happening.

📜 A Little History of 911

The idea for a single emergency number came about in 1957. It took a few years, but in 1968, AT&T announced that 911 would be the emergency number for the whole country. The first 911 call was made in Alabama!

🔑 Key Principles: When to Call 911

• 🚨 Real Emergency: Only call when there is a real emergency. This includes fires, serious injuries, or a crime happening.
• 🤔 Think First: If you are unsure if it's an emergency, ask a grown-up.
• 🗣️ Speak Clearly: When you call, speak clearly and tell the 911 operator what is happening and where.

📞 How to Call 911: Step-by-Step

1. 📱 Find a Phone: Use any phone, even a cell phone.
2. 🔢 Dial 911: Carefully dial the numbers 9-1-1.
3. 🗣️ Stay Calm and Speak Clearly: Tell the operator your name, address, and what the emergency is. For example, "My name is Lily, and I live at 123 Main Street. There's a fire in my kitchen!"
4. 📍 Know Your Location: Knowing your address is very important. Look for house numbers or street signs.
5. 👂 Answer Questions: The operator will ask questions to help them send the right kind of help. Answer as best as you can.
6. 🚫 Don't Hang Up: Stay on the phone until the operator tells you it's okay to hang up.

🚫 When NOT to Call 911

• 📞 Prank Calls: Never call 911 as a joke. This can be very dangerous because it takes time away from real emergencies.
• ❓ Non-Emergencies: Don't call for things like a lost toy or because you are bored.

🏡 Real-World Examples

Example 1: You see smoke coming from your neighbor's house. This is a fire emergency. Call 911.

Example 2: Someone falls and is seriously hurt. Call 911.

Example 3: You see someone breaking into a house. Call 911.

💡 Important Tips

• 🗺️ Know Your Address: Practice saying your address out loud so you can remember it.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Practice with a Grown-Up: Ask a grown-up to help you practice calling 911 (but don't actually call unless it's an emergency!).
• 📵 Unlocked Phones: Many cell phones can dial 911 even when they are locked.

📝 Conclusion

Knowing how to call 911 is an important skill. Remember, only call in a real emergency, stay calm, and speak clearly. You can be a real hero!