When and Why Call 911
Dial 911 only in case of a real emergency, when you are a witness to or a victim of any of the following situations:
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Important guidelines
- Landline phone: When you dial 911 from a landline, your address and phone number are automatically provided to the 911 operator.
- Cell phone: When calling from a mobile phone, it is essential to mention the name of the city where you are located.
- Stay on the line: This ensures that your call retains its priority.
- Do not hang up: Wait until the operator tells you to do so.
- If you dial 911 by mistake: Do not hang up without informing the operator that it was an error; this will prevent unnecessary deployment of emergency resources.
- Use concrete examples: 911 should be dialed only in case of a real emergency.
- Remind your child to move away from danger and find a safe place before calling 911. It’s always possible to call from a neighbor’s house or a public phone.
- Explain that calling 911 is not a game.
- Make sure your child knows their home address and phone number, or the number of a mobile device.
- If your child is visiting grandparents or a babysitter, make sure the phone number and address of the residence are clearly visible.
- Practice using both a landline and a cell phone so they understand the difference.
- Children learn through action.
- Role-play situations (without actually calling 911) by taking turns playing the caller and the operator.
- Do the exercise with a landline and a cell phone.
- Visit the Government of Canada website below for examples of situations that do and do not require a call to 911: Using 911 – Canada.ca
Prepare your child to stay calm and avoid panic or anxiety in case of an emergency.