Press & Media
Henrico 911 center teaches 8,000 children annually how to call in an emergency
HENRICO, Va. (WWBT) - Henrico’s 911 call center answers more than half a million calls each year, with roughly 2,500 of those coming from children.
First responders are now using a tool called “911edu+” to teach kids how to interact with 911 dispatchers in emergencies and prepare them for certain questions that they may be asked.
“So it’s an entirely self-contained system, and we use this in the elementary schools in order to teach kindergartners, first and second graders, how to dial 911,” said Megan Reeves, hiring supervisor at Henrico 911.
The live demonstrations are designed to make kids more comfortable with the emergency calling process.
Reeves says they start by handing the children the phone and explain to them how to call dispatchers.
Teaching Henrico's elementary students how and when to dial 911
The Henrico County Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) works closely with Henrico County Public Schools to educate elementary students about the purpose and value of calling 911. With the help of an EDU+ Phone — a closed-circuit cellphone that allows children to practice dialing 911 — emergency dispatchers teach students how 911 works, when to dial the number and what information to provide to emergency dispatchers.
DEC Executive Officer Alysa Morgan said her team is grateful for the opportunity to engage with the community and young students. “We’re always glad to give people more information about what we do so they feel comfortable calling for help,” she said.
Valley Park Safety Fair
Event Organizer and Great Aunt of Casey Williamson, Della Steele, joins the show to to talk about the Valley Park Safety Fair. The event will occur on Saturday, July 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., located at 1 Main Street in the Valley Park School District.
Kaitlin Jordan
Public Education Specialist - Charleston County Consolidated 9-1-1 Center
“Our 911edu+ unit is a great hands-on way to show children and adults alike how to call and text 911. In today’s world, using a desk phone or flip phone toy model is irrelevant, because that is not what they use! Having the 911edu+ unit as a teaching tool helps the learner understand the process of contacting 9-1-1 through a realistic phone.
I also use it as a tool when reinforcing the instruction to only contact 9-1-1 for emergencies, and that this device only calls this phone in the box, so we can use it to practice.”
Shelly Holzerland
Communications Director - Fremont/Dodge County Nebraska 911 dispatch center
“In the past, we spent as much time explaining to kids how to use the old fashioned phone on our simulator as we did about calling 911. With our new 911edu+ simulator, the kids walk right up, pick up the cell phone and are eager to learn how to call 911. We are able to focus on teaching them what will be asked and what to do if they need emergency services. The Text-to-911 is a great feature. Kids and Adults are interested in how it works and like the opportunity to try it out in a safe environment. The simulator is a great addition to our community outreach!”