Sheriff Department

911 Communications Center

For Parents & Kids

  • Talking with Children About 911

    The world today is technology driven. In 2014, landlines have become obsolete, and most parents and children have cell phones. It is very important to teach children how to dial 911.

    Here are tips to get your child ready to call 911:

    • Teach your child his address and the phone number from which he is calling. If you own a TRAC phone, the phone number will not display when calling 911. Location is the most important piece of information needed by a 911 operator.
    • Make sure your child knows his first and last name. It is also extremely helpful if a child knows how to spell his name.
    • Make sure your child knows that you have a name other than "Mom" and "Dad". Teach him your first and last names.
    • Make sure that your child knows where you are at all times. It’s helpful if he knows the name of your workplace in case police need to find you during working hours.
    • Don’t be afraid to practice. 911 operators are ok with kids calling 911 to practice. If you choose to practice, it is important that you stay on the phone and tell the 911 operator that you do NOT have an emergency, and that you are just practicing with your child.
    • Did you know that many old deactivated cell phones are still capable of calling 911 even though there is no current plan? Teach your child that if he accidently dials 911, to stay on the line and tell the operator that it was a mistake.
    • If your phone has a passcode on it, make sure that your child knows what it is, or that 911 can be called without entering the passcode.
    • It is never too early to teach children to know their surroundings. For younger children, while you are in the car, ask them to tell you what they see out the window. For older children, practice reading street signs and teach them their directions (north, south, east, and west).

  • Information for Babysitters

    It is very important for parents to remember that even the most seasoned babysitter may forget important information during a crisis. View Babysitter Form that contains information for babysitters.

  • Children Home Alone
    • Children should keep the doors locked at all times.
    • The child should not let anyone in unless you, the parent, say it’s ok.
    • If someone calls or comes to the door, a child should never say that they are home alone. They should say that you are unable to come to the phone/door and ask if they can take a message.
    • A child should never give their name or address to a stranger.
    • Parents should practice scenarios with children. Practice calling on the phone and coming to the door as strangers, family members, and friends. Reward your child for making good choices
  • Stranger Danger

    Helpful tips for kids to avoid potentially harmful situations:

    • Make sure your parents always know where you are, whom you are with, and when you’ll be home.
    • Always have at least one friend with you.
    • Avoid dark, deserted areas like woods, empty lots, and alleys.
    • If a stranger offers you anything, say NO and get away fast.
    • If a stranger comes to pick you up after school, don’t go. Your parents would never send a stranger to pick you up.
    • If a stranger asks you for help, don’t go. It could be a trick.
    • If anyone tries to touch you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, say no and tell someone you trust.
    • Never agree to get together with someone you meet on the internet.
    • Never open computer files, emails, or websites sent by a stranger.
  • Online Safety

    Helpful tips for kids to avoid potentially harmful situations:

    • Never tell anyone personal information about you unless you ask a parent or guardian first
    • Never agree to meet anyone in person you meet online.
    • Don’t say mean things to people online.
    • If others say mean things to you, go to another online area or sign off and ALWAYS tell your parents.
    • Remember that a person may pretend to be someone different online.
    • You should not be on a site or in a chat room if you would feel uncomfortable sharing it with your parents. If you find a site or chat room that you shouldn’t be on, leave the site right away.
    • Don’t do anything online that you know you shouldn’t do in real life.
  • Car Safety
    • Buckle up in the car all the time, everytime.
    • Make sure your seatbelt fits snugly across your lap and hips.
    • Don’t take the seatbelt off until the car comes to a complete stop and the engine is turned off.
    • Keep your head and hands inside the vehicle at all times.
    • Ride quietly so that you don’t distract the driver.
    • Never accept a ride from someone who has been drinking alcohol.
  • Bicycle Safety

    The Kent County Sheriff's Office encourages kids and adults to practice safe bicycling. View Bicycle Safety: Bike Rider’s Guide