This section is The content in this section is supplied by GlobeNewswire for the purposes of distributing press releases on behalf of its clients. Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Article content

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

Sign In or Create an Account

or View more offersArticle content

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.

Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.Article content

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.

Article content

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

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.

Article contentArticle content

“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.”

Article content

E-Comm’s Tips for Teaching Kids About 9-1-1

Article content

  • Explain when to call 9-1-1

Article content

Use simple language to describe emergencies:

Article content

      • 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)

Article content

  • Teach them how to call

Article content

    • 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

Article content

  • Help them know what to say

Article content

    • 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

Article content

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

  • Make sure they know their location

Article content

    • 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

Article content

  • Practice through role-playing

Article content

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

Article content

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

Article content

    • 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

Article content

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.

Article content

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.  

Article contentArticle content
Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentE-Comm 9-1-1 604-215-6248 [email protected] Article content