On Thursday, September 22, the Daily News reported the story of a 7-year-old boy who saved his mother’s life by keeping cool on the phone with emergency services. His uncle, aware that his mother had seizures, taught the boy the information he would need to tell the operator, as well as how to know when to use 9-1-1.

While most parents will be very prompt about teaching their children these life-saving skills, it is something that is very easy for a Savvy Auntie to reinforce. Remind your nieces and nephews that they will need to tell the operator their name, where they live, and what is wrong.  Once you’ve discussed this with them, it’s always a good idea to secretly quiz your nieces and nephews on the information. For example, if you’re planning to visit them, pretend as though you’ve forgotten where they live and ask them for their address.

It is essential to remind your nieces and nephews that 9-1-1 is for emergencies only. Give them examples of what types of emergencies warrant a call to 9-1-1 so your nieces and nephews are able to differentiate those from more trivial problems. There is a wonderful learning song, “9-1-1: Only for Emergencies,” that may aid younger children in remembering when to call.