Every child should know the basics of emergency - dialing 911. There are hundreds of cases on the books of children as young as three years old saving themselves and others through knowing how to dial 911. This basic emergency information is very important, and should always be taught to children at the youngest age possible. 911 is a lifesaving service that can find you even if your child can not explain where they are. Here is how to teach them to dial 911, and how to know when to do it.
The first thing you want to do is teach them that dialing 911 is only to be done in a real emergency. How does a three year old toddler know what a real emergency is? You go over them with the child. For example, you will tell them that they should only dial 911 if no adult is around that can help. They should always know that 911 is not something that is a joke, or funny. They must know the importance of dialing 911, and what happens when they do so.
This leads naturally into the discussion of what happens when they dial 911. Explain that a nice woman or man will come on the phone and ask them what is wrong. Let them know what to expect when they call. 911 operators often will ask for a number of things from them including address, and other identifying locations around the home.
This leads you into teaching them their address, phone number, and some general identifying information about where you live. This is absolutely vital to the process, and the child will learn this information rather easily if you ask them often. Emergency studies show that children will remember far more than we expect them to in an emergency. Repeat the information to them often until you are confident that they know it well.
This is when you take one of their toy phones, and have them practice dialing 911. You pretend you are the 911 operator and have the child lead you to your house. This practice is vital to them retaining the information. Also, you should review where the phones are in the house. On an added note, make sure you tell your child to never hang up the phone after dialing 911. This will allow the 911 operators to trace the call to your home in the event that the child is unable to lead them.
Children should always understand the purpose, and importance of 911. Knowing how to dial 911 could save their (or your) life someday. Take your time with them, and teach them how to do it correctly. It is a vital parenting task that can not be ignored.
