April Marks National 9-1-1 Education Month

It is National 9-1-1 Education Month which is a great time to brush up on all knowledge of 9-1-1 including how it works and how it benefits you and the community.

In 2008, the House of Representatives passed a resolution to increase national awareness about the importance and appropriate use of 9-1-1. By creating a month dedicated to 9-1-1 education, Congress is able to encourage annual public awareness events, public advertising campaigns, target outreach activities and provide training for parents and teachers.

In response to this resolution, The National 9-1-1 Education Coalition has created a yearly campaign on 9-1-1 education. The 2013 campaign theme for this month is “Be 9-1-1 Ready”. By being 9-1-1 ready, you can help 9-1-1 get to you quicker and more efficiently. Below are the most important messages that the public needs to understand currently when it comes to utilizing 9-1-1 services.

Know Where You Are: Be able to tell the 9-1-1 call-taker exactly where you are and where they can find you. Knowing street names, landmarks and other important surroundings will help better assist the call-taker in getting you emergency services.

Don’t Text to 9-1-1: At this time, very few 9-1-1 entities are able to accept text messages. It is in your best interest to call 9-1-1 when emergency services are needed. Do not rely on texting 9-1-1 for help.

Use a Landline: When you call from a landline, the call-taker is able to locate you better. Call phone calls are not always routed to the closest call center and this could delay emergency services from getting to you sooner. Of course, if you are unable to use a landline, then please use your cell phone to call.

Stay Calm and Ready to Listen: 9-1-1 was created in order to help you in the event of an emergency. Remember to take deep breathes, remain calm and listen to the call-taker’s questions or instructions so that you can provide all necessary information.

As always, do not forget that 9-1-1 is for emergency use only and should never be abused or used for fun. It helps save lives and is an important tool in helping our society to get the aid they need. Call 9-1-1 when you or someone else’s life is in danger, or if there is a crime or fire occurring.

NENA information on 9-1-1 Education Month: http://www.nena.org/?page=911_EducationMonth