[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 111 (Thursday, July 12, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1493]]



THE INTRODUCTION OF A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH NATIONAL 9-1-1 EDUCATION 
                                 MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 11, 2007

  Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I'm proud to introduce a resolution to 
establish a National 9-1-1 Education Month.
  Forty years ago President Johnson's Commission on Law Enforcement and 
Justice recommended that a single, nationwide telephone number be 
established for reporting emergencies--9-1-1. Since then, 9-1-1 has 
been used by millions of people across the country to quickly and 
efficiently contact their local fire and police departments, as well as 
report emergencies in their communities. Over 200 million emergency 
calls are made each year through 6,000 9-1-1 public safety answering 
points serving more than 3,000 counties.
  As the connection between the eyes and ears of the public and the 
emergency response system in the U.S., 9-1-1 answering points are often 
the first to know of emergencies caused by natural disasters to 
national security threats, making 9-1-1 a vital homeland security 
asset.
  Educating people of all ages and backgrounds about 9-1-1 is crucial 
to the effectiveness of our emergency response system. It is especially 
important for vulnerable populations . . . children, the deaf and hard 
of hearing, and those with limited English skills . . . to understand 
and feel comfortable with using 9-1-1.
  A National 9-1-1 Education Month will encourage the development of 
public awareness events, advertising to the public, targeted outreach 
to schools, and training activities for parents and teachers. The deaf 
and hard of hearing are increasingly using text, video and instant 
messaging to access 9-1-1 operators. With such an effective and 
comprehensive emergency network, everyone deserves to learn how to 
access it.
  As co-chairs of the E9-1-1 Caucus, Mr. Shimkus and I understand the 
importance of the 9-1-1 emergency network to the public safety and 
security of our country and this resolution will help to ensure that 
all Americans can access these critical services in an emergency. I 
urge my colleagues to join me in supporting a National 9-1-1 Education 
Month.

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