Do Your Kids Really Know How to Call 911? 5 Ways to Make Sure They Do by Kimberly Johnson

Safety
2 years ago

Do Your Kids Really Know How to Call 911? 5 Ways to Make Sure They Do

As soon as my kids could speak they could tell you to call 911 if there was an emergency. This week I was inspired to do a trial run to see if they really know what to do. 

My 9-year-old was set – she knows how to use my phone and knew what info to relay. My 7-year-old, when put on the spot, couldn't clearly communicate our address without prompting. Here are some tips to help teach your kids to use 911:

  1. Teach your child how to access the "emergency" shortcut on your cell phone, especially if you don't have a landline or have a passcode they don't know.
  2. Post a cheat sheet with your address and other important information.
  3. Remind them that whoever answers the call is there to help and not to hang up.
  4. Teach them to be aware of their surroundings in the event of emergencies outside of the home.
  5. Remind them 911 should ONLY be called during an emergency.

It's never too young to start!

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community, and follow us on Facebook to get inspiration in your newsfeed daily. Inspire and be inspired.

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Button Batteries & Kids: Safety Precautions & Symptoms of Battery Ingestion in Children

Child Safety: Are You Speeding in Your Neighborhood? Slow Down & Read These Scary Stats

Kids & Drownings: 3 Safety Tips to Help Prevent Child In-Home Drownings

Dry Drowning & Secondary Drowning: What You Need to Know to Keep Kids Safe

Donna John
Such important information, Kimberly Johnson ! Thanks for sharing!
Katie Sloan
Now I need to test my 7 year old! I don't know if he could do it or not.
Kimberly Johnson
I was actually surprised because generally Ryan knows our address, but "under pressure" he jumbled the numbers (first 2 numbers of our house number, then over to my cell phone number and ultimately adding our zip code in the mix) and named our neighborhood vs. our road name (until I prompted). You'll have to let me know how A does! :)
Elisa Schmitz
Awesome awesome idea, Kimberly Johnson ! Thanks for the helpful tips!
Laura Greenwald
Thanks Kimberly. This is such a vital thing for kids to learn, but as you said in your comment, if they're under pressure to do it in an emergency, might mix things up. As with everything, practice makes perfect!
Renee
I'm so glad you wrote this tip Kimberly Johnson! I recently discovered several of my 5th grade students had no idea what to say if they ever actually had to call 911. I think parents need to remember that just because a child might be a little older does not mean they know what to do in an emergency situation.
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thanks, Kimberly Johnson ! I need to test my boys!

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

Gluten-free Diets: 3 Things You Need to Know Before Going Gluten-Free

Food Allergies & Coronavirus: A Registered Dietitian's Guide to Food Insecurity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Skip the Potato Chips: How to Prep So You Grab Healthier Snacks!

The Health Benefits of Cinnamon: Why You Need to Sprinkle This Spice on Everything