Cell Phone Sally Video Now Available Online for the First Time!

People have been buzzing about what exciting news Cell Phone Sally would be sharing with the world today. For the first time ever, a 9-1-1 public educational video featuring Cell Phone Sally will be available for viewing through the 9-1-1 Commission’s website! Cell Phone Sally’s educational video “9-1-1: Getting Help is Easy” is a very important public education tool that will now reach even more citizens, and help empower children and adults alike on the knowledge of how and when to call 9-1-1.

The video, which was originally created for a four to seven-year-old audience, has also had huge success when utilized with the adult population as well.

“The video is ideal for elementary schools, but I have used it at senior citizen centers and it was very helpful in ensuring that adults understood some of the basic information explained in the video,” public educator from Will County, Illinois, Caryn DeMarco said.

9-1-1 public educational efforts throughout the country are put into place to not only help our communities stay educated about 9-1-1 safety, but also to make sure the 9-1-1 centers run as smoothly as possible. This is why a more educated community means that the 9-1-1 center will also be better prepared to send the right kind of help more quickly in an emergency situation.

Having access to the Cell Phone Sally video online is also convenient for our public educators. It helps provide them as well as others with resources that educate children on how they can play a role in getting help fast during a 9-1-1 emergency. So what are you waiting for? Click on the link below and get more educated today!

http://www.csec.texas.gov/educational-resources/kids-resources/911-public-education

Education Efforts for 9-1-1 Public Education Month Soar Throughout the U.S.

Throughout April, 9-1-1 Public Education efforts have been prevalent in many areas of the United States.  These efforts are so important in educating the public on how and when to call 9-1-1 for help. That’s why we decided to showcase some of the many efforts made throughout the states!

Out of our nation’s capitol in Washington D.C., the National 9-1-1 Education Coalition started a website last year dedicated to 9-1-1 education. This site, www.know911.org, contains free resources that can be used to promote education, awareness and outreach efforts. This year, the Coalition added new resources to help support 9-1-1 education efforts at a local level in attempts to educate the public on 9-1-1 this month and throughout the years.

Based in Framingham, Massachusetts, Smart911 kicked off its webinar series in honor of 9-1-1 Education Month called “Understanding the Citizens We Serve.” The first edition of the series called “Understanding and Responding to Citizens with Autism” will be featured on April 26^th. The webinar is open to all those interested and will focus on how 9-1-1 telecommunicators and public safety personnel can effectively interact and assist those with autism. For more information, visit www.Smart911.com.

The King County E-911 Program Office in Washington has worked hard to distribute 9-1-1 public education materials this month to all public libraries in King County. The materials dropped off included a coloring book to teach children about 9-1-1 and informational brochures for adults. In Mexico, Missouri, Audrain County Joint Communications has been posting information on their website and social media accounts about how and when to call 9-1-1 as well as providing citizens with helpful tools to assist emergency responders in being more effective in their jobs. Visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AudrainCountyE911 to check out helpful 9-1-1 tools.

In Van Wert, Ohio, Van Wert County 911 is utilizing this month as an opportunity to work and educate the community on what is being done with the current 9-1-1 system in place and the change in equipment. Van Wert is currently researching options for a new system that will go into place in 2014 that will allow citizens to text and call into 9-1-1 for help. This plan, which is part of Next Generation 9-1-1 system, will be able to handle calls from any device including photographs.

Public education on 9-1-1 is incredibly vital to citizens all over the United States. Cell Phone Sally provides many public education efforts that are available to anyone at www.911safety.org so check out the variety of tools and resources today!

9-1-1 Public Education Makes a Splash During 9-1-1 Education Month!

Throughout the month of April, various 9-1-1 entities have made many efforts to make public education a top priority in honor of 9-1-1 Public Education Month. We know that every time an educator goes out there, the information being distributed will help the community, the PSAP, as well as our own public education program, which is why it is so important.

During April, Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network (GHC 9-1-1) has been featuring a new public education message throughout many movie theaters called Help Us Help You. Counties such as Brazos, Galveston, Fort Bend, Harris and Montgomery will be showcasing the clip to help educate the public on when to call 9-1-1, to always stay on the line and to always follow instructions given by 9-1-1 staff. GHC 9-1-1 has also been working with the Houston Public Library and area wide school districts to help distribute 20,000 bookmarks and other educational materials.

In Palestine, Texas, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office’s dispatchers organized “9-1-1 in the Park” which featured 9-1-1 staff as well as the Texas Forest Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Palestine Fire Department. Between these agencies, they were able to provide children with multiple tools on how to address emergency situations. Over in Irving, Texas, the city’s cable TV channel ICTN produced a piece that addresses all issues prevalent to 9-1-1 education and safety. Not only that, but all the dispatchers featured in the clip are currently visiting all of Irving’s 26 elementary schools to provide 9-1-1 educational tools.

Lastly, Kane County Emergency Communications Center recently launched its 9-1-1 education program this month! The program’s mission is to educate first grade students across the county on the appropriate usage of 9-1-1. Their 9-1-1 operators will also be visiting elementary schools utilizing the Cell Phone Sally DVD and educational materials to teach children about 9-1-1.

All of these entities are making huge efforts to provide as much information as they can to the public regarding 9-1-1 and we commend them for their efforts!

It's 9-1-1 Education Month!

April marks the recognition of 9-1-1 Education month in the United States!  During this time, 9-1-1 entities all over are able to showcase how vital 9-1-1 education is for both adults and children. For over 40 years, 9-1-1 has served as an essential part of emergency services. This month symbolizes the importance of public education on 9-1-1 services and the proper use of this service. 

While many people are aware of the significance of 9-1-1 and using it correctly, there are still many people who are not. As a society, we must work to educate individuals so that 9-1-1 is used for emergencies and is not misused or abused otherwise. By cutting down on misuse or abuse of 9-1-1, it will essentially help 9-1-1 call takers respond to real emergencies quicker and more efficiently.

Learning about 9-1-1 safety can be lots of fun with the right educational tools! The Commission on State Emergency Communications created Cell Phone Sally along with her friends to assist in conveying three basic messages to the public: when to call 9-1-1, how to call 9-1-1, and what to say in case of a police, fire, medical or poison emergency.

What are you waiting for? Head on over to www.911safety.org and check out the huge selection of publications and educational materials geared toward adults, seniors and children that assist in education and importance of 9-1-1. The various items also provide 9-1-1 public educators the opportunity to purchase 9-1-1 educational products at volume discounts! Check out www.911safety.org today and become more knowledgeable on emergency safety in a fun and simple way.