“You don’t wake up in the morning thinking you are going to call 911. However, should you have to, it may be the most important call you ever make.” – National 911 Education Coalition
This is the message National 911 Education Month seeks to promote. In an emergency, seconds matter; being knowledgeable and prepared can make all the difference.
In 2008, the United States Congress recognized April as National 911 Education Month. Each year, the National 911 Education Coalition calls upon public safety officials, schools, government officials, and industry leaders to engage in a national effort to educate children, seniors, and the general public about the importance and appropriate use of 911. The vision of the National 911 Education Coalition is to save lives and improve emergency response by creating a national 911 education and awareness effort. During the month of April, organizations can conduct special outreach efforts to build on existing state and local 911 education programs in an attempt to raise the issue of 911 education to a national level.
“For nearly five decades, 911 has served as the vital link between the American public and emergency services. Public education and awareness initiatives such as the National 911 Education Month contribute in large measure to the success of the system,” said Mark Brown, MCICOM G-3 Installation Protection Branch Emergency Management Section Head.
The 411 on 911
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The National 911 Education Coalition, an alliance of organizations committed to collecting and promoting 911 public education resources, has created a clearinghouse for free 911 public education materials, available now at www.911.gov. A variety of resources are available to support both the “911: The Number to Know” campaign and education themes including:
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Call If You Can, Text If You Can’t
Text to 911 service is available in an increasing number of communities around the country. The service benefits individuals (or persons) who are deaf, hard of hearing or in a situation where they cannot speak and make a voice call. However, a traditional voice call, if possible, is still the best way to reach emergency services.
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Know Your Location
Wireless calls to 911 provide location information, but 911 call takers may need more specific information. Be prepared to provide detailed information on where you are so that help can get to you as quickly as possible.
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Stay Calm and Don’t Hang Up
Until you are instructed to do otherwise, stay on the line so you can provide any necessary information or assistance to the 911 call taker. Even if you accidentally call 911, don’t hang up. Inform the call taker that you dialed accidentally and that there is no emergency.
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