April is National 9-1-1 Education Month

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Submitted by [user:fieldfirstname] April 1, 2026 - The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) are proud to announce participation in two vital public safety initiatives this April: National 9-1-1 Education Month and National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW), April 12-18, 2026.

The PUC has three primary duties regarding 9-1-1 service for Colorado that include oversight of "Basic Emergency Service;" approval of Emergency Telephone Charges and administration of the State 9-1-1 Surcharge; and annual reporting to the General Assembly on the state of 9-1-1 service in Colorado. The PUC is also working on Next Generation 9-1-1 Implementation and promoting voluntary implementation of common 9-1-1 service capabilities.

“This is a great time to acknowledge our incredible 9-1-1 dispatchers who serve as the crucial first link in emergency response,” said PUC Director Rebecca White. “It takes just a few minutes to learn about how to best contact 9-1-1-and to refresh yourself on options like text-to-9-1-1. This knowledge can make all the difference in a crisis.”

“Colorado 9-1-1 dispatchers are invaluable partners in the state emergency alert programs used for early notification to communities when disasters strike.  We join the PUC in recognizing their efforts and role in the state,” said Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Kevin Klein. “DHSEM reminds everyone to sign up today for their local emergency alert programs at https://dhsem.colorado.gov/emergencyalert. ”

National 9-1-1 Education Month

Every April, 9-1-1 professionals across the nation promote awareness to ensure that when seconds count, the public knows how to reach for help efficiently. Take time to be prepared before an emergency by the following:

• Call if you can, text if you can't: Highlighting the availability of Text-to-9-1-1 for emergencies where speaking is unsafe or for individuals with hearing/speech impairments.
• Know Your Location: Wireless calls provide general location data, but knowing your exact address or landmarks is crucial.
• Don't Hang Up: If you call 9-1-1 accidentally, stay on the line to inform the dispatcher. As consumers utilize new communications technologies and devices, 9-1-1 education takes on an increased importance for everyone, especially for children, teens and parents. Knowing how and when to call 9-1-1, or how to use advanced services like text-to-911, (check this map to see where it is available throughout most of Colorado), or how to register with Smart 911 (available in select locations), can greatly improve outcomes for people experiencing emergencies. The PUC encourages all consumers to review some of the best tips for using 9-1-1, such as the list found at https://www.nena.org/page/911TipsGuidelines, created by the National Emergency Number Association, and exploring what public education resources may be available through your local 9-1-1 call center.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week: April 12-18, 2026

This week honors the professionals who respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals, and deliver life-saving assistance. National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week recognizes the incredibly important work of 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers across the country, including in Colorado, where approximately 1,460 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers work every minute of every day to help connect individuals experiencing police, fire, or medical emergencies with appropriate first responders, making public safety telecommunicators the first first responders.[1]

For More Information:

• To learn more about the PUC’s 9-1-1 Program, click here.
• To sign up for local emergency alert program visit the DHSEM Website. [1] Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Recent

Governor Jared Polis Declares April 2026 'Dig Safely Month'

March 31, 2026 - Governor Jared Polis Declares April 2026 'Dig Safely Month' to Mark 40th Anniversary of Colorado 811
State encourages all Coloradans to contact 811 before any excavation project to…

Colorado Public Utilities Commission Announces April Public Comment, Information and Engagement Opportunities

March 26, 2026 - The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is committed to informing and engaging the public in the matters before the Commission, and values perspectives from impacted community…

CO PUC Holds Public Comment Hearing for Atmos Energy’s Gas Rate Increase Proposal

March 17, 2026 ~ The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) invites the public to join virtual public comment hearings concerning Atmos Energy's gas rate increase proposal, Proceeding No. 25AL-…