We are all
taught at a young age how to call 9-1-1. We are also taught what is an
emergency and what is NOT an emergency. But as we get older, we sometimes tend
to forget some of the things we learned as kids. In this blog we will review
the basics of 9-1-1 so that when you are in an emergency, you can ensure you
are prepared for whatever comes your way.
When should
I call 9-1-1?
Here we will
break down the basics of what is considered an emergency and what is not an
emergency. Remember, only call 9-1-1 for emergencies. Leave the other important
calls or needs of assistance for 311 to handle or provide you with the right
entity you need to reach. And never use 9-1-1 as a joke.
An emergency
is when something happens and you need the police, firemen, or an ambulance. Some
examples of an emergency can include a house on fire as well as any type of
accident where someone is hurt such as a car accident. These are just a few
examples of when to call 9-1-1. But if, say, your cat is suck in a tree? That would
not be considered an emergency, because cats cans get down from trees on their
own.
Below are
some important tips to remember.
WHEN to call 9-1-1:
· When there are any lives at risk
· When you need the police, fire
department, or paramedics
When you
should NOT call 9-1-1:
· If there is no emergency
· For animals (except when they pose a
threat to the safety of a person)
· As a game or prank, or a joke
· To practice
How do
I call (or text!) 9-1-1?
Phones come
in all shapes and sizes. Different types of phones include landlines, cell phones,
and voice-over IP phones. To call 9-1-1
on a corded landline phone, pick the phone up off the receiver and then you
will hear a dial tone. Push the “9” button, push the “1” button, and then push
the “1” button again. Wait for it to ring and connect you with 9-1-1 for help!
The phones
that have no curly cords and that you can take all over the house are called
cordless phones. These phones have a base and a cord attached to the wall. These
are still landline phones, though, and not considered cell phones. To call
9-1-1 on a cordless phone, press the on or talk button, wait and listen for the
dial tone, and then push the "9" button, push the "1"
button, and then push the "1" button again. Then, the 9-1-1 call-taker
will answer your call for help.
There are also
many variations of cell phones, but the most used today is the smart phone with
a touch screen. To call for help, find the keypad or also known as dial pad, push
the “9” button, push the “1” button, and then push the “1” button again, then
press the send button to connect the call. The send or “on” button is usually
green or has a green icon of a phone.
What
do I say when 9-1-1 answers my call for help?
It can be
nerve-wrecking to call 9-1-1 for help in an emergency. You want to make sure
you give all the important information and get someone (or you) help in an
emergency as quickly as possible. Here are some tips to help children remember
what to do when they are on the phone with 9-1-1:
· Remember to remain calm and speak
slowly.
· Tell the 9-1-1 call-taker what is
wrong and where you need help (the address of the emergency, or landmarks,
cross streets, or mile-markers).
· Speak clearly when the 9-1-1 call-taker
asks you questions and answer them as best you can.
· Stay on the phone until the 9-1-1
call-taker tells you it is ok to hang up.
Remember, if
you ever need to call 9-1-1, a friendly and helpful call-taker is ready to assist
you. For educational videos on 9-1-1, please visit our YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/user/CellPhoneSally911.
