Public Education Program

Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network is dedicated to educating the public in all of Harris and Fort Bend Counties about the purpose and the proper use of the emergency phone number 9-1-1, as well as the technical differences with various telephones (wireline, wireless, VoIP, etc.). If it were not for the numerous volunteers that help to educate the community, the messages about 9-1-1 would not be understood as well as it is today.  The Network works closely with the Texas Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC), the Texas 9-1-1 Educators, and the NENA Education Committee to develop and promote consistent educational messages related to 9-1-1. 

GHC 9-1-1 provides 9-1-1 public education materials throughout its territory. Educational materials are designed, developed and distributed to the general public through this program. Throughout the year, these items are researched, evaluated and ordered based on the need for yearly educational efforts.

GHC provides materials to "9-1-1 Educators" throughout the Network's territory. Most of these 9-1-1 Educators are:

Crime Prevention Officers and DARE employed by the many law enforcement agencies throughout the Network's territory.

Fire Prevention Educators employed by or volunteers of the many fire and EMS agencies throughout the Network's territory.

PSAP Coordinators, dispatchers, 9-1-1 telecommunicators

Teachers of any of the 32 ISDs, and private schools

Day Care providers

First Aid & CPR trainers

SWB Pioneers (Retired Southwestern Bell employees)

Many others!

To educate kids, Red E. Fox, the Texas mascot for 9-1-1 is used extensively. Every year, GHC 9-1-1 distributes Red E. Fox videos to all 1st Grade classes in the region. There are two walk-around fox costumes that are available for check-out. In addition to the young children, GHC 9-1-1 also works to educate older children, adults, senior citizens and the hearing impaired. Cell Phone Sally is helping Texans become more cell-phone savvy. Presentations are given on a request basis, in addition to the special campaigns that are initiated regularly. GHC 9-1-1 participates in numerous local special events to spread the word about 9-1-1.