Teaching Kids to use 9-1-1 

The Lago Vista Police Department is excited to introduce its newest member, Cell Phone Sally! 

Cell Phone Sally hails from the great state of Texas and her primary role is to educate kids about 911 safety. With 17 years of experience in public service, she has been dedicated to teaching children across the United States and beyond about accessing emergency services. Cell Phone Sally is enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge of 911 education with both kids and adults! She is a well-known 911 mascot, alongside her friends, teaching children vital 911 life-saving skills. She is especially proud of her ponytails, which always seem to have a life of their own.

Cell Phone Sally is dedicated to visiting local schools and daycares to teach children how to call 911 in an emergency. During her visits, she discusses the reasons why children might need emergency services, the difference between an emergency and a non-emergency, the types of questions kids can expect to be asked when they call 911, and how listening to the call taker can help ensure the situation is handled in the safest way possible. 

Additionally, Cell Phone Sally comes with her own theme song and instructional video! To check it out, visit: https://www.youtube.com/@CellPhoneSally911

The Difference Between Emergencies & Non-Emergencies

The Lago Vista Police Department's dispatchers are experienced men and women who emphasize to children the importance of knowing their address and telephone number and the proper way to describe situations to 9-1-1 call takers. 

Parents can use the following safety tips to teach their children how to use 9-1-1 to report emergencies with these tips from Cell Phone Sally:

 1. Stay calm and speak clearly. The operator needs to understand your name, location, and the nature of the emergency. 

2. Know your address and phone number. If you don't know your exact address, try to provide as many details as possible about your location (landmarks, street signs, etc.). 

3. Follow the operator's instructions. They are trained to help you in an emergency, so listen carefully and do as they say. 

4. Stay on the line until the operator tells you it's okay to hang up. They may need to ask you more questions or give you further instructions. 

5. Have an adult nearby to help you make the call. If you are home alone, follow the steps above to get help.

Remember, 911 is for emergencies only. Do not call 911 for non-emergency situations. Stay safe and be prepared in case of an emergency. 

Stay safe and be prepared in case of an emergency. 

"9-1-1: Getting Help is Easy" was developed for children in grades K-3. Click the links below to learn more about Cell Phone Sally and friends: 

• http://www.911.state.tx.us/kidshome.html 
• http://www.facebook.com/#!/CellPhoneSally