The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) is observing April as National 911 Education Month, alongside National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12–18). Together, these observances highlight the vital partnership between an informed public and the dedicated professionals who answer the call for help.
National 911 Education Month helps people of all ages understand why it's important to call or text 911 in emergencies and emphasizes the crucial role everyone plays in ensuring that emergency responses are effective and prompt during a crisis.
"Public education and awareness play a vital role in the effectiveness of 911.” said 911 Program Manager Blake DeRouchey. "Whether it’s teaching your kids the basics, or learning more about what happens when you call, a little bit of preparation goes a long way."
HSEM encourages families to visit ready.iowa.gov/be-prepared/know-your-911 for resources, including:
- Guidance on when to call 911 and what information to provide.
- Tools to help teach children about the role of 911 and first responders.
- Instructions on how and when to use text-to-911 services.
While the public plays an important role in knowing when to call, the system relies on the steady hands of Iowa’s 911 telecommunicators. During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12–18), HSEM honors the dispatchers who serve as the first point of contact in any crisis.
"Iowa's 911 telecommunicators are the calm voices on the other end of the line during what may be someone's worst moments," said DeRouchey. "They work through holidays, weekends, and middle-of-the-night emergencies to make sure help is on the way. They may be behind the scenes, but they are the essential link in keeping Iowans safe."
Throughout the month, HSEM will share information and resources to help Iowans learn more about 911. You can follow HSEM on Facebook and X @IowaHSEM.