01/23/2026
Do your children know how to call 911? It’s important that children know how to call for help if they need it.
WHAT IS 9-1-1?
📱 9-1-1 is a number to call for help when someone is in danger or not safe.
9️⃣-1️⃣-1️⃣ Always use “nine-one-one.” Never refer to the number as “nine-eleven.” In the uncertainty of an emergency, a child may look at a phone keypad for the number 11.
🧏♀️ 9-1-1 is a safe number to call. Children can trust the emergency medical call-taker who answers their 9-1-1 call.
❗ If you live in an area that does not have 9-1-1 service, help your children learn the local emergency number. Make sure it is clearly visible near your home phone.
🚑 It is a good idea to point out ambulance, fire and police personnel to your child when you see them in the community.
WHEN SHOULD YOU CALL 9-1-1?
❗ You should only call when you need emergency help from ambulance, firefighters or police.
📵 Never call 9-1-1 as a joke or a game.
❗ Tell your children they must be in a safe place before they call 9-1-1.
🔥 If there is a fire in your home, go outside and call 9-1-1 or go to a neighbour’s house.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CALL 9-1-1?
🚑 When you call 9-1-1, an emergency medical call-taker will ask you if you need police, fire or ambulance.
🧏♂️ The emergency medical call-taker for ambulance will ask you what the emergency is and where you are.
🏠 Be sure to tell the emergency medical call-taker the address of your home or where you are, your apartment number (if you have one) and your phone number.
🚑 While you are talking to the emergency medical call-taker, a dispatcher is sending the ambulance and paramedics to your location to help with the emergency.
🧏♀️ It’s important that you listen to the emergency medical call-taker and follow their instructions.
🧏♂️ The emergency medical call-taker will stay on the phone with you until paramedics arrive.
📱 Do not hang up the phone until paramedics arrive or the emergency medical call-taker asks you to do so.
