Calling for help can be overwhelming for young children, so it’s important to take the time to teach your child how and when to call 911. Be sure to:
- Clearly define what an emergency is and isn’t. Give real examples of when to call 911, such as during a fire or when a family member is having a medical emergency.
- Show your child how to use the different phones available to them. Have your child practice using a cell phone versus a landline.
- Go over important information that needs to be given to the call taker. This includes your home address, first and last names of each family member and the location of the emergency.
- Practice, practice, practice. Role play with your child to prepare them for different emergency situations.
Check out the HSI Emergency Care blog for more information about teaching your child to call 911.
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