Red E. Fox

Red E. Fox is the mascot for 9-1-1 and part of a nationally recognized program designed to target children ages 3 to 7 years old.  This program focuses on teaching children the difference between an emergency situation and a non-emergency situation.  In addition, our instructors show children how to call 9-1-1 and when calling 9-1-1 is appropriate.  The instructors are actual 9-1-1 personnel who emphasize to children the significance of knowing their address and telephone number as well as the proper way to describe situations to 9-1-1 operators.  The program consists of a video, speaker presentation, and age-appropriate ‘take-home’ materials. 

9-1-1 Communications personnel are eager to staff booths, display educational materials, and bring their mascot, Red E. Fox, to community events such as block parties, safety and health fairs, and children’s occasions.  Red E. Fox reminds children:

 When to call 9-1-1

9-1-1 is the number to call when you need help in an emergency.  An emergency is when something happens and you need the police, fire department of an ambulance.  For example, if you see your neighbor’s house on fire, that’s an emergency!  If someone cuts themselves badly, that’s an emergency!  If you see someone hurting someone else, that’s an emergency!  But, if you can’t find your favorite toy, that’s not an emergency.  You should only call 9-1-1 in a real emergency-never as a joke. 

How to call 9-1-1

When you need to call 9-1-1 here are some very easy steps to follow:        

• Pick up the phone and listen for a dial tone

• Push the “9” button, push the “1” button, and then push the “1” button again

• Wait for the 9-1-1 operator to answer the phone

9-1-1 operators can answer calls from the Deaf or Hard of Hearing Community.  They can answer calls in over 100 languages.  9-1-1 call takers are ready to answer calls from anyone who needs help.  

What to do when 9-1-1 answers

Here are some points to help you remember what to do when you are on the phone with 9-1-1:

• Remember to stay calm and speak slowly

• Tell the 9-1-1 operator where you are and what’s wrong

• Speak up loud and clear when the 9-1-1 operator asks you a question

• Stay on the phone until the 9-1-1 operator tells you to hang up

Remember if you ever need to call 9-1-1, someone is ready to help you.

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