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The Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC), otherwise known as Fairfax County 9-1-1, understands the importance of building strong, safe communities. That's why we are committed to providing excellent 9-1-1 services and helping to educate the public about how to use these services effectively.

On this page, you will find information about our community outreach engagement opportunities and efforts, as well as resources and tools to help you get a better understanding of our services. Help us help you by getting involved and make a difference in our community.

Do you know what procedures to follow when calling 9-1-1?

You've come to the right place to learn more about how we keep Fairfax safe and how you can help. We are a 24/7/365 provider of public safety emergency communication and 9-1-1 services. When seconds count, every bit of knowledge can help.

Our outreach program is dedicated to educating the public on the proper use of 9-1-1 services. With a focus on our community, we're working to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Participants embark on a scavenger hunt and must match emergency situations with emergency services (fire, police, ambulance)

Participants will be divided into teams and given a list of emergency situations. Each team must search the designated area to find and match the emergency situation with the appropriate emergency service. The team that correctly matches all the scenarios first, wins the challenge! Participants will learn about types of emergency services and the types of situations dispatchers may respond to on a daily basis. This activity combines elements of scavenger hunts, problem solving, and teamwork - making it a fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike.

Participants will join in a role-playing game to act out different emergency situations and practice calling 9-1-1:

Participants will be given various emergency scenarios and will take turns playing the role of the caller and the dispatcher. The goal is to practice making 9-1-1 calls and to simulate the experience of speaking with a 9-1-1 operator. Participants will learn about the importance of staying calm, providing clear and accurate information, and following instructions when making a 9-1-1 call. This activity can be done in a safe and controlled environment and provides a hands-on learning experience for kids to better understand what to do in case of an emergency. The game can be adapted to different age groups and can be made more or less challenging depending on the level of participation desired.

Groups will test their knowledge with a "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" style PowerPoint quiz:

Participants are divided into teams and compete against each other in a trivia-style quiz show based on emergency services facts.

The format is similar to the TV show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," with multiple choice questions and increasing levels of difficulty. Teams will have the opportunity to use a variety of lifelines such as "50/50" and "Ask the Audience" to help them along the way. The team with the most points at the end of the game will be crowned the "Public Safety Communicator Millionaire." This activity is a fun and engaging way.

Participants will receive a comic strip template to illustrate the steps to take when calling 9-1-1:

Participants are given a comic strip template and will create a visual guide for steps to take when calling 9-1-1. This activity helps participants use their creativity to reinforce the important information about making a 9-1-1 call.

Participants will decide when to call 9-1-1 in this sorting and matching activity:

Participants will be presented with various scenarios and will have to decide if they would call 9-1-1 in that situation or not. They will then sort the scenarios into two categories: "Call 9-1-1" or "Call Non-Emergency 703-691-2131." The scenarios are depicted by an image which is a sticker that will need to be cut out and stuck under the correct section. This activity helps participants understand the types of situations that warrant a 9-1-1 call and reinforces the importance of only calling in true emergencies. The activity can be completed individually or in small groups. The goal is to educate participants about the appropriate use of 9-1-1 and to help them make informed decisions in case of an emergency.

How to call 9-1-1896.03 KB

Memory match game - Dispatcher tools & Resources959.39 KB

Memory match game - Dispatcher tools & Resources (Spanish)958.29 KB

Sorting Game to learn when to call 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number2.1 MB

Sorting Game to learn when to call 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number (Spanish)2.12 MB

Comic to learn about calling 9-1-1613.23 KB

Department of Public Safety Communications

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Do you know what procedures to follow when calling 9-1-1?

Outreach Activities Available Upon Request

Outreach Documents

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Department of Public Safety Communications

Department of Public Safety Communications Alert:

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Community Outreach and Engagement

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Do you know what procedures to follow when calling 9-1-1?

Outreach Activities Available Upon Request

Dispatch Dash: A 911 Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Call for Help: A Kid's 911 Simulation Experience

Emergency IQ: A 911 Knowledge Challenge

Dispatch Doodles: A 911 Comic Strip Quest

911 Match Mania: Peel and Stick Madness

Outreach Documents

Recent Interactions

Ask Fairfax

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