Student Television Network creates PSAs for 9-1-1 Public Education

Recently, the Commission on State Emergency Communications had the Student Television Network (STN) create a series of 30-second Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on 9-1-1 public education topics. Students in high school and middle school from across the nation got together in groups and were given only two hours to create a PSA. 20 different entries were received and each one was creative in its own way!

By collaborating with partners who can help you with expertise, you are on your way to increasing the resources you have available for 9-1-1 outreach. Our partnership with STN not only allows their students to have productions that can be used in our community to help educate and save lives, but it also gives the students a great addition to their portfolio.

Their efforts are just one example of how simple it is to create a PSA that can have a lasting effect on the community. The students utilized video cameras and other equipment to complete their video production, but for public educators with small budgets, it doesn’t need to be a major investment. All you need is a smart phone or tablet to create a PSA video that everyone will love. Through PSAs, public educators can convey messages regarding 9-1-1 such as knowing your location, when to call 9-1-1 and what to say and do when you call 9-1-1. Whether you are teaching a new 9-1-1 concept that people are not familiar with or one that they need to know in a state of panic, we all need to be reminded the importance of how and when to use 9-1-1. That is why public education is so important- because it reminds people what to do in case they ever find themselves in an emergency situation. We can never be too knowledgeable about 9-1-1 services.

Remember these key points when it comes to making a PSA:

-You can make it cost effective

-A little effort goes a long way and can impact much of the community through social media (Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Blogs)

-You don’t need a fancy camera or high tech editing equipment to create a great video that can convey your message

-You can get ideas from others who have created their very own PSAs at our YouTube site:  http://www.youtube.com/user/CellPhoneSally911

Below, you can see some of the students PSAs. Check them out and get inspired!

Here is a link to our second set of PSA videos: http://bit.ly/PSAseries2