It is important that parents educate their children in the use of the telephone, particularly 9-1-1, at an early age. They need to understand that the telephone is not a toy, but also that it is okay to call 9-1-1 for help when they need police, fire or medical help. If you are teaching your children about 9-1-1, we suggest that you consider the following:
First, it is important that your child be taught their address and telephone number.
Secondly, make sure your child can physically reach at least one telephone. Wall mounted telephones can be unreachable for really small children.
Discuss with your child any situations that may be unique to them. This could include an elderly live-in relative; younger sibling; or any other unique factor that the child might encounter.
The 911 service is for emergencies. It is important to teach your child not to play with or misuse 9-1-1.
If you would like to arrange to have your child call 9-1-1 for real, as part of your training program, please call our dispatch center at 785-325-2293 and let the dispatcher know you are training your child about 9-1-1. Ask the dispatcher if they have time to handle a 9-1-1 call from your child before you place the training 9-1-1 call.
When your child calls 9-1-1, they should also know what information will be expected from them. You should teach them to:
Teach your kids the difference between a land line phone and using a cellular phone
REMEMBER: DISPATCHERS DO NOT KNOW WHERE YOU ARE!!!Your call will hit the nearest cell tower, not always in the county you are calling from, and that tower could be miles from where you are.
When calling 9-1-1, remember that emergency medical, fire or police personnel are being sent to you even though you are still talking to the operator. That is why sometimes it sounds like there is no one on the other end of the line. They can still hear you, but they are talking on another line or on a radio to get help to you.
Poor connections or weak signals!! Very frustrating for everyone!!We may not be able to hear you, move to a better location and call again. Numerous tragedies have occurred as cell phone owners have the expectation that when they dial 911, like they do at their house, that they'll be able to be found.
Recently, the federal government set a mandate for cell phone companies to find a solution. Each cellular company has an individual timetable for getting the job done. Contact your cellular company for further information.