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

E-Comm shares safety tips to help families prepare for the new school year

Vancouver, 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.

“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 9-1-1

• Explain when to call 9-1-1

Use simple language to describe emergencies:

1. • • If someone is badly hurt or very sick
     • If there is smoke or fire
     • If they feel unsafe or see a crime happening (like someone stealing or hurting someone)

• Teach them how to call

1. • Show them how to unlock the phone and dial 9-1-1
   • Let them know they can call from a cellphone, even without a SIM card
   • If you have access to a landline in your home, teach them the difference between how to dial from a landline vs. a cell phone

• Help them know what to say

1. • When 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 clearly
   • Say what is happening, where they are, and who needs help
   • Follow instructions from the call taker and stay on the line until they say it’s okay to hang up

• Make sure they know their location

1. • Practice saying their city and home address, including apartment number and building entry code
   • Teach them how to look for landmarks or street signs if they’re away from home from school

• Practice through role-playing

1. • Go through different emergency scenarios without using a real phone
   • Help them understand what kinds of questions a 9-1-1 operator might ask

• Explain the importance of using 9-1-1 responsibly 

1. • Let them know that 9-1-1 is only for real emergencies
   • Remember 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 need

E-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