Rio Grande Valley 9-1-1
Cell Phone Sally
Teaching kids how to call 9-1-1 safely and correctly.
Meet Cell Phone Sally
Cell Phone Sally is RGV 9-1-1's public education mascot dedicated to teaching children and families how to use a cell phone to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. She reminds kids that knowing when and how to call for help can save a life — including their own.
Whether it's a fire, a medical emergency, or a dangerous situation, Sally teaches the most important steps every child should know before they ever need to pick up a phone.
Sally's 6 Golden Rules
These are the most important things to remember when calling 9-1-1 from a cell phone.
Know Your Address
Always know your home address, including street number, street name, city, and zip code. When you call 9-1-1, the very first thing a dispatcher needs is where you are.
Stay on the Line
Never hang up after calling 9-1-1 until the dispatcher tells you it is okay to do so. The call-taker may need to ask you more questions to send the right help.
Only for Real Emergencies
Call 9-1-1 only when someone's life is in danger, there is a crime happening, or there is a serious accident. Never call as a prank — every second counts for someone who really needs help.
Cell Phones Still Work
You can call 9-1-1 from a cell phone even if it has no service plan or is locked, as long as it has battery and a signal. Your phone always has a connection to 9-1-1.
Speak Clearly & Calmly
Take a deep breath and speak as clearly as you can. Tell the dispatcher what happened, where you are, and if anyone is hurt. Answer every question they ask you.
What Not to Do
Do not text 9-1-1 unless you are in a situation where speaking is unsafe. Do not call to ask questions or test the system. Do not hang up if you called by accident — stay on and tell them.
Sally Says DO
- Know your full home address by heart
- Call 9-1-1 for fires, crimes, or medical emergencies
- Stay calm and speak clearly
- Stay on the line until the dispatcher says to hang up
- Answer all the dispatcher's questions
- Tell a trusted adult if you ever called 9-1-1
Sally Says DON'T
- Call 9-1-1 as a prank or joke
- Hang up if you called by accident
- Call for non-emergencies
- Be afraid to call — dispatchers are there to help
Watch with Sally
Short videos teaching kids how to call 9-1-1 — available in English and Spanish.
9-1-1: Getting Help is Easy
EnglishObtener Ayuda es Fácil
EspañolWant Sally at Your School or Event?
RGV 9-1-1's Public Education team is available to bring Cell Phone Sally's curriculum to schools, community events, and organizations across Hidalgo and Willacy Counties.
Request a Public Education Event