School’s in Session: Parent’s guide on talking to kids about 9-1-1

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire School's in Session: Parent's guide on talking to kids about 9-1-1Author of the article:E-Comm shares safety tips to help families prepare for the new school yearTHIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountVancouver, British Columbia, Sept. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As families prepare for the return to school next week, E-Comm is encouraging parents and caregivers to teach their children how and when to call 9-1-1.The new school year may bring new routines and greater independence. Whether that means walking to and from school on their own, taking public transit, heading to games or practices without a parent for the first time, or using a mobile device to stay connected. With those new experiences comes the importance of making sure children have the confidence to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.While emergencies are never something we expect, they can happen anywhere and at any time. Teaching children what to do before an emergency happens can help them feel more confident and prepared to act when they need help.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again“Calling 9-1-1 can feel scary for children, especially if they’ve never done it before,” says Police Call Taker Matt Goldsworthy. “We want kids to know that they’re never alone. When they call 9-1-1, a trained call taker will be there to listen, ask questions and get them the help they need.”E-Comm’s Tips for Teaching Kids About 9-1-1Explain when to call 9-1-1Use simple language to describe emergencies:If someone is badly hurt or very sickIf there is smoke or fireIf they feel unsafe or see a crime happening (like someone stealing or hurting someone)Teach them how to callShow them how to unlock the phone and dial 9-1-1Let them know they can call from a cellphone, even without a SIM cardIf you have access to a landline in your home, teach them the difference between how to dial from a landline vs. a cell phoneHelp them know what to sayWhen you first dial 9-1-1, an operator will say “do you need police, fire or ambulance” and “for what location”Stay calm and speak clearlySay what is happening, where they are, and who needs helpFollow instructions from the call taker and stay on the line until they say it’s okay to hang upMake sure they know their locationPractice saying their city and home address, including apartment number and building entry codeTeach them how to look for landmarks or street signs if they’re away from home from schoolPractice through role-playingGo through different emergency scenarios without using a real phoneHelp them understand what kinds of questions a 9-1-1 operator might askExplain the importance of using 9-1-1 responsibly Let them know that 9-1-1 is only for real emergenciesRemember to lock and store their devices carefully. If they do call by mistake, encourage them to stay on the line and let the operator know that they are safe.Making prank calls can stop someone else from getting the help they needE-Comm also reminds parents that language should never be a barrier. Our call takers can access interpretation services in over 200 languages. Children should be reassured that if they need help, someone will be there to listen.As children head back to school and take on new routines and responsibilities, a few minutes of preparation can give them the confidence to know what to do when it matters most. Talk to your children about when and how to call 9-1-1, and remind them that when there is an emergency, help is just a phone call away. E-Comm 9-1-1 604-215-6248 media@ecomm911.ca This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. 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