should i be teaching my kids to ring 000 in an emergency ?

[minniemouse]

at what age should i start and how do i go about it ?

the kids are nearly 5 and nearly 3

any advice appreciated

[Phteven]

yes, you should teach them and also if you use speed dial some other emergency contacts (grandparents, dad etc).
Tell them that if they are ever really scared or worried they can use it. The person will say fire, police or ambulance but if they don't know the answer they can tell the person what is wrong and they will send the right person.
If they know their address that is a big bonus but they can trace the call if they need to.
If they don't know zero you can put a dot on it with nail polish.

Also tell them that if they ever lose you somewhere the best person to approach is a mum with kids.

[angelaartsstudent]

Ja, if calling from a landline you don't usually have to tell them the address.

But this is something I've had in my mind ever since I thought about having kids! Lol. I think 3 is a good sage to start, so go for it!

[AliBaby]

Yes definitely. Put the number on the fridge as well and on the phone.
I have known two 4 year olds who have called 000

[Arimeh]

I told DS about 6 months ago about using 000 for emergencies - in case mummy fell down at home and is asleep and he can't wake me - then to grab the phone, press the button with the telephone on it (its cordless) and press the 0 three times.

There is also a website with little games on it that shows the kids what to do about calling 000 - I can't remember what it is off the top of my head, but perhaps Jodi will pop in here, she's the one that told me.

ETA - DS is about to turn 4 - so he was about 3.5 when I told him and he grasped the concept pretty good.

[minniemouse]

thanks for all the replies, the nearly 5 year old knows her own address but not her brother yet

Arimeh's Eden: that website sounds good, i was wondering if there was a way for her to practise (obviously can't keep ringing the actual number to try it out lol)

i better put a plan together over circumstances where she/they might need to use it !

[Mother Goose]

absolutely! I have taught DD how to ring 000, her Daddy from my mobile, and she can call her Grandparents.

If you google tripple zero hero you will find a GREAT website for teaching kids about calling 000.

If you go to the Royal Show, they usually have a booth with the Emergency Services where kids can practice calling 000 a well. They have a person sitting opposite them so it really does mimic calling 000. And they are GREAT with kids!

[flyingk8]

I am pretty sure you can still call 112 on a mobile even if it is locked, so you can still teach your kids, without giving then the pin-code to your phone!