VERIZON WIRELESS





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



CONTACTS:

Cheryl Bini

Verizon Wireless

314.920.4922



Heather Sharp

For Verizon Wireless

913.851.8700 ext. 26







TEACHING KIDS LIFE-SAVING LESSONS USING WIRELESS PHONES



Verizon Wireless, Kansas Highway Patrol and Missouri Highway Patrol

Team to Teach Children 9-1-1 Basics



OVERLAND PARK, Kan.— Knowing the difference between dialing 9-1-1 on a wireless phone and dialing the emergency number on a landline phone is a potentially life-saving skill. Since this skill is often overlooked, Verizon Wireless, the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Missouri Highway Patrol have teamed up to teach kids how to dial 9-1-1 from a wireless phone.



“Often times people don’t stop and think about teaching their kids how to use their wireless phone in an emergency. It is essential for children to understand how to dial 9-1-1 and give the dispatcher all the information needed to get help immediately,” said Trooper Howard Dickinson, Kansas Highway Patrol.

These seven tips, found in the Verizon Wireless “You Make the Call 9-1-1” coloring book, are for parents to use when teaching their kids how to dial 9-1-1 from a wireless phone:



Make sure the wireless phone is on. If not, the phone needs to be turned on by pressing the power button. This button may have the letters “PWR” on it, which stands for power.



You will not hear a dial tone sound from a wireless phone. So, once the phone is on, go ahead and press the number keys 9-1-1. You may hear a beep noise as you press each button.



Press the green button to connect the call. Sometimes this button has the word “SEND” or “TALK” on it.



Put the phone to your ear. You should hear a ringing sound to let you know that the call is going through.



When the operator answers, say, “Help.” And, tell the operator your name, where you are and your emergency.



Stay calm and follow any instructions the operator gives you. You will need to tell the operator where you are, like your home address. If you are not at home, you may be asked to describe your surroundings.



Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up. When he or she says it’s OK, press the red button to hang up. This button may have the letters “END” on it.



“Wireless phones are a powerful safety tool for today’s families,” said Cheryl Bini, manager of public and community relations – Kansas/Missouri Region, Verizon Wireless. “We are committed to making sure parents know how to teach their kids the most effective way to react in an emergency.”



Verizon Wireless’ “You Make the Call 9-1-1” safety tips coloring books are available free of charge in all Verizon Wireless communications stores in Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka, St. Joseph and Joplin, by calling 913-851-8700 ext. 62 or by e-mailing youmakethecall911@gl.verizonwireless.com. The books also will be distributed by the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Missouri Highway Patrol at community events in the Kansas City metropolitan area.



About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the nation’s leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 37.5 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log onto www.thenewsmarket.com.