Police to students: Be prepared

A 911 dispatcher and police officer from the Port Aransas Police Department made a visit to the fourth grade classes of Clare Adams and Gina McKeever at the H.G. Olsen Elementary School Monday, Sept. 11.

The PAPD representatives shared the importance of rehearsing what to do when you call 911 for emergencies.

Students were told to give the "who, what, when, where and why" when calling the dispatcher. The 911 talk helped students to learn what their role is in getting the information to the dispatcher so the proper people are called to assist in the emergency as they practiced making calls, said McKeever.

Sherri West, the Port Aransas dispatcher, and police officer Gary Langston also explained what information is used when describing a person for the police height, male/female, origin and a description from head to toe. The officers did an excellent job communicating the information and answering the students "what if" scenario, stressing that rehearsing for emergencies is part of good preparation, said McKeever.

Students were encouraged to discuss the "what if" scenarios at home so students know plans are in place to keep them safe.