What happens when you call 911?
Read this guide with a grown-up. Use 911 only for a real emergency. Practice with a toy phone or paper keypad.
- 1
Recognize an emergency
A fire, serious injury, immediate danger, or a person who will not wake up can be an emergency.
- 2
Get a trusted adult when possible
Tell a parent, teacher, caregiver, or another trusted adult right away. If no trusted adult can help, call 911 yourself.
- 3
Call 911
Use a real phone only during a real emergency. For practice, use a toy phone or paper keypad.
- 4
Say where you are
Give the address, nearby street, building name, or another landmark. The dispatcher can ask questions to help find you.
Say: “I am at...”
- 5
Explain what happened
Use short, clear words. Tell the dispatcher who needs help and what you can see or hear.
Say: “We need help because...”
- 6
Answer and listen
Stay on the line, answer the dispatcher's questions, and follow the safety directions you are given.
- 7
Stay safe while help comes
Move away from traffic, fire, smoke, weapons, or other danger. Do not touch medicine or medical equipment.
- 8
Responders arrive
Police, fire, or EMS may arrive depending on the emergency. Stay with a trusted adult and give responders room to work.