Teaching children what to do in an emergency is critical to keeping them safe. That said, it can be difficult for little ones to grasp this concept, especially the younger they are. Below are some resources and activities compiled by the education team at Kiddie Academy® to help you integrate these important lessons into your everyday routine:
Who to call?
- Show your child the phone and ask them if they know who they could call in case of an emergency or a problem (i.e., a parent, grandparent, neighbor, police, fire station, or ambulance)
- Identify community helpers who can step in during an emergency
- Make time to practice emergency drills at home
- Explain that in case of a true emergency, always call the number 9-1-1
- Play pretend using a cell phone or toy phone so your child can practice dialing 9-1-1
Emergency vs. difficulty
- Discuss the difference between an emergency and a difficult situation
- Give your child specific examples of each, and have them decide which example should be considered a situation that requires an emergency responder vs. a difficult situation that can be solved by a trusted adult
- Examples:
- Neighbor’s house is on fire vs. someone took your toy before you were finished playing
- You are lost vs. a friend was calling you mean names
911 poem
Practice writing or reciting the following poem with your child
I know a number that is really hot
It’s only for people in a hot, hot spot
If you see a fire, if you see a crime
The number is the same, every single time
This very special number is never for fun
This very special number is 9-1-1
Books to read together:
- A Day in the Life of an Emergency Medical Technician by Heather Adamsson
- Dial 911! by Charles Ghigna
- Impatient Pamela Calls 9-1-1 by Mary Koski
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