Seconds count during an emergency. Everyone needs to use 9-1-1 properly to get quick help during a fire, medical emergency or a crime.

This is especially true for children. They can, and must be taught how to correctly use the 9-1-1 system to save a life.

Follow these guidelines to teach children the proper way to use 9-1-1 to report emergencies:

Do...

• Always call from a safe location. If the house is on fire, get out first and then call from a nearby telephone.
• Teach children their full name and address. And always post your full address near your home phone. 
• Teach children to remain as calm as possible when speaking with the 9-1-1 operator so they can get the provide the correct information to send help. 
• Wait until the 9-1-1 operator tells you it is okay to hang up the telephone. It is common for 9-1-1 operators to keep young callers on the line until help arrives. 9-1-1 operators are also trained to provide life saving directions to callers during medical emergencies. 
• If you call 9-1-1 by mistake, don't hang up. Tell the 9-1-1 operator there is no emergency and you dialed by accident. If you hang up before speaking with the operator, they could send emergency crews to your location needlessly.

Do not...

• Do not call 9-1-1 as a joke or prank. You can get into serious trouble. More importantly, you can delay someone else getting the help they need in an emergency.
• Do not hang up the telephone until the 9-1-1 operator tells you it is okay to do so.
• Do not call 9-1-1 for animal emergencies. Call Central Dispatch, 526-0795, for assistance.

Please save 9-1-1 for real emergencies!