Knowing when and how to call 9-1-1 is important for children to know.  The Hays Police Department has an education program about emergency phone calls that is presented to local third graders every year.

Communications Officer Kyla Jurgensen visited Wilson Elementary School Wednesday afternoon.  The students first watch a cartoon about the proper use 9-1-1;  then they practice some situations that occur in  real life.

Hope Schumacher used the scenario of her house being on fire, and made sure to give her address to the 9-1-1 dispatcher.  Even though he’s never had to actually call 9-1-1, Hunter Harris knows he should if someone were to break into his house.

Officer Jurgensen hopes the youngsters won’t be afraid when they call 9-1-1, and understand the importance of answering the dispatcher’s questions:  What is your emergency?  Where is the emergency? What is your telephone number?

During the program, Jurgensen also explains how cell phone and land-line calls are handled differently, and the Law Enforcement Center’s ability to communicate with the hearing impaired.

See more tonight on Street Beat Eagle Community TV Channel 14.