SHERIFF GOLDEN STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF CHILD SAFETY THROUGH SEEK 9-1-1 PROGRAM AT SHORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Manasquan/Bradley Beach: Sheriff Shaun Golden wants first grade students to learn how to dial 9-1-1 properly through the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office SEEK (Sheriff’s Emergency Education for Kids) 9-1-1 program. On Nov. 10 and Nov. 12, first graders from the Manasquan and Bradley Beach Elementary Schools, respectively, were presented with SEEK 9-1-1, which is offered to elementary schools throughout Monmouth County.

“The importance of using the 9-1-1 emergency call number is vital to public safety,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “The goal of SEEK 9-1-1 is to teach children how to get help quickly for their own safety and for their families.”

The SEEK 9-1-1 program includes a fun video featuring animated characters who learn how the 9-1-1 system works. Instructors who conduct the program through the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office gives the students an overview of when to dial 9-1-1, and, provides them with a hands on interactive session using telephone simulators to role play various emergency scenarios. Scenarios include what happens when a child hangs up without speaking to a 9-1-1 public safety telecommunicator, handling an injury, what to do if you are home alone and see a prowler and when it is not appropriate to call 9-1-1.

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office 9-1-1 Communications Center is staffed with 101 public safety telecommunicators and provides 9-1-1 services to 45 municipalities and dispatches for 110 agencies which include police, fire and EMS.

A large percentage of the 9-1-1 calls received are wrong numbers, prank calls, hang ups or non-emergencies. During the presentation, SEEK 9-1-1 instructors emphasize the appropriate times to call 9-1-1 and when other non-emergency phone numbers should be used.

“The Sheriff’s Office is committed to safety and youth education and we’re proud to make the SEEK 9-1-1 program available to these shore elementary schools,” said Sheriff Golden. “It’s important for students and adults to remember to SEEK 9-1-1 during an emergency.”

Click for a downloadable version of this press release:  News Release- SEEK 911 Program Presented at Shore Area Elementary Schools