In San Antonio, a local school district and first responders are emphasizing the significance of teaching children when, why, and how to call for help during emergencies. This message comes in the wake of a tragic school shooting at a private Christian school in Wisconsin where a student and a teacher lost their lives and several others were injured. "It is truly heartbreaking and awful," said Aubrey Chancellor, executive director of communications at North East ISD. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to every staff and student. Such incidents are unimaginable and unfortunately, they occur too frequently these days."

Empowering Children to Act in Emergencies

Early Introduction to Calling 911

Joe Arrington, public information officer with the San Antonio Fire Department, believes that ages three to four is the ideal time to start educating children about calling 911. "We always encourage parents to introduce this concept to their children as early as possible," he said. "It depends on the child's comprehension level, but as a parent, you know when your child is ready. Even from a young age, when a child can talk and dial, you can begin these conversations. It is never too early to start." Chancellor also agrees, stating that they start talking to students as soon as they enter pre-kindergarten. "We focus on 4-year-olds and drive home the importance of calling 911. It is a crucial concept that we go through with them regularly."

Understanding True Emergencies

During school visits, Arrington not only educates children about the seriousness of calling 911 but also clarifies what constitutes a true emergency. "When we receive calls from children, 99 percent of the time, it is a genuine emergency such as an unconscious loved one, a fire, or a traffic accident where immediate care or assistance from police, fire, or EMS is needed," he explained. He added that practicing hypothetical situations like exit drills during a house fire is an excellent way for parents to keep their kids informed.

Cell Phone Policies and Emergency Access

Chancellor mentioned that although there are cell phone policies in schools, parents can be at peace knowing that phones are typically prohibited during instruction but are accessible in emergency situations. "Even if phones are supposed to be kept away during class, they are in students' backpacks. There are also landlines in many classrooms," she said. This ensures that children have a means to call for help in case of an emergency.

Confidence in Calling 911

Arrington emphasized the importance of being confident when calling 911. "At a young age, children can make a significant difference when they call 911. They may not fully understand why they are calling, but their confidence in getting the necessary resources is crucial. It can be a matter of life or death," he said. Remembering to state who you are, why you are calling, and where you are calling from is key.In conclusion, educating children on calling 911 is of utmost importance. By starting early and providing clear instructions, parents and educators can help ensure that children are prepared to act in emergencies and potentially save lives.