Storybook session to tackle problem of children who think emergency number is 911

Many children in Tameside believe the number for emergency services in 911 instead of 999.

It may sound incredible, but research shows that most children in the UK are unaware that you should call 999 in an emergency.

Even though the number has been in use for almost 90 years, they are more likely to quote its American equivalent, 911. This is believed to be due to the popularity of US film, television and internet productions.

Yet it’s vital children know the correct number. Little ones as young as three have been known to contact the emergency services when a parent or carer has suffered an accident.

To help make children aware of 999, Tameside Council’s community safety team has hosted Time for a Rhyme sessions at Droylsden and Dukinfield libraries where PCSO Miah read the “999 Emergency” storybook which was issued at the end of the 2023-24 Story Makers programme for the under-fours.

Produced by author Caryl Hart and illustrator Andrew Rowland, it was compiled with the help of parents, carers and children who attended the sessions.

The PCSO reading events, which tied in with Operation Avro – a collaborative day of action involving the police, council and other partners to tackle community safety issues – proved very popular with adults and children alike.

Cllr Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s assistant executive member for culture, heritage, participation and sport, said: “In one way, it can sound amusing that children think it’s 911 rather than 999, but it’s really important they know what the correct emergency number is as it could quite literally mean the difference between life and death.

“ ‘999 Emergency’ is a super book that tells little children all about the emergency services. It was so lovely to see their faces as PCSO Miah read it to them.

“Hopefully word will quickly spread that it’s 999 and not 911.”