Free 911 Decision Cards: Emergency or Tell an Adult, Level A Sampler

This free emergency and safety reading sampler gives students calm, simple practice deciding when to call 911 and when to tell an adult.

Why I made this: A student once spent a whole day worried that he should have called 911 when a coworker slipped. He had done the right thing by telling his supervisor. I want students to practice that choice on calm days, so it feels familiar when it matters.

What's included:

• A 6-page PDF and an editable Word copy

• A teacher page with a three-level overview and common US 911 advice in plain words

• One reading document: a "When do I call 911?" sign from a made-up school

• 10 Level A decision cards with a line-drawn picture and 2 choices (Call 911 or Tell an adult), in 16 point or larger type, each with a self-check code

• An answer key and a data box with prompt levels

• Terms of use

How to use it: Start with the sign. Students read each card and pick Call 911 or Tell an adult. Read cards aloud if needed. Talk through answers calmly and point back to the sign. Track a few short sessions with the data box, then try the full set.

Who it's for: High school special education teachers, 18-21 program teachers, job coaches, and families who want a calm, short starting point for emergency decision skills.

Format: PDF, US Letter, 6 pages, plus an editable Word copy. Prints well in black and white.

How this is different: Community + Workplace Safety Signs Task Cards | Functional Reading Life Skills teaches safety signs. Phone Skills for Everyday Calls | Appointments, Voicemail + Phone Menus teaches everyday phone calls. This sampler is about one decision: is this an emergency, or should I tell an adult? It has no dialing steps.

Pairs with: Phone Skills for Everyday Calls | Appointments, Voicemail + Phone Menus; Self-Advocacy Communication Cards | Hand This Page + All About Me Wallet Card

Jeremy D. Gooch, 20+ years in education.