Neighbor News
200 Club of Monmouth County Recognizes National 911 Education Month
National 911 Education Month helps people of all ages understand why it's important to call or text 911 in emergencies
Dear Editor,
In 2008, Congress designated the month of April as National 911 Education Month. Indeed, 911 is the first link in the emergency response chain, and public awareness is essential for ensuring the system operates efficiently. This basic education can even help save lives.
By raising awareness, communities can ensure that everyone—from young children to older adults—understands when and how to call 911, helping to reduce misuse so resources are available when truly needed.
Key messages for 911 Education Month include:
- Know When to Call – 911 should be used for emergencies only, such as crimes in progress, medical emergencies, or fires. Non-emergency calls should be directed to your local non-emergency numbers.
- Be Prepared to Answer Questions – Callers should be ready to provide their location, the nature of the emergency, and other critical details to help first responders arrive quickly.
- Stay on the Line – Never hang up until the 911 dispatcher tells you to do so, even if you accidentally dial.
- Text When You Can’t Call —If you cannot call, Text-to-911 is now available. Always provide your location and emergency details in your message. If it is not available in your area, you will receive a bounce-back notification telling you to call 911 to report your emergency.
Another key aspect of National 911 Education Month is recognizing our dedicated 911 dispatchers and emergency telecommunicators. These professionals are often the first point of contact during a crisis, calmly gathering information, giving instructions, and coordinating emergency responses. Their work is demanding and high-stress, yet often goes unnoticed.
Finally, we're deeply appreciative of our first responders who play a critical role in 911 emergencies, often serving as the first line of defense in protecting lives and property. Whether they are paramedics, firefighters, police officers, or emergency medical technicians, these individuals respond swiftly to crises, providing essential medical care, ensuring public safety, and stabilizing dangerous situations. Their training, courage, and quick decision-making can mean the difference between life and death. The 200 Club of Monmouth County thanks our first responders for their bravery and dedication to our communities, which make them indispensable to our emergency response systems.
Sincerely,
Mary Pat Angelini
President
200 Club of Monmouth County
