How do you teach your child to call 911 or 999?

What is an emergency?

KidsHealth says it is when someone needs help right away because of an injury or an immediate danger. Examples: someone is unconscious, someone has trouble breathing, your child sees a crime happening, or there is a serious car accident.

For young children, it can help to talk about who the emergency workers are, like police officers, firefighters and paramedics, and what they do.

What will the operator ask?

• "What is the emergency?" or "What happened?"
• "Where are you?" or "Where do you live?"
• "Who needs help?" or "Who is with you?"

Tell your child that it is OK to give personal information to the operator, even though they shouldn't give it to strangers. Operators talk with lots of nervous kids.

What else should your child know?

• Get safe first. If there's a fire, leave the house before calling.
• Know your street address and phone number by heart.
• Calling as a joke is a crime in many places, and it can delay help for someone else.

Which number do you use where?

In the United States, it is 911. In the United Kingdom, it is 999. GOV.UK says 112 can also be used in the UK. If you travel, teach your child to ask a grown-up who works there.

How do you practice?

Use a toy phone, or a phone that is turned off. Never dial for practice. Run through a pretend scene: "Grandma fell and won't wake up. What do you do?" Your child says the three answers. See what to do if your child is lost.